Direct sow April through September especially in spring and again in late summer. Place seed approximately 0.5 cm deep, maintain 10–20°C, and keep the surface moist; emergence takes 5–10 days. Make small sowings every two or three weeks. During strong heat choose light partial shade or wait for cooler temperatures to slow bolting and retain tender leaves.
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Organic annual Asian leafy vegetable
Brassicaceae
Organic Asian leafy vegetable seeds
Organic ‘Asian Green’ tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa ‘Asian Green’)
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa ‘Asian Green’
Fast organic open-pollinated tatsoi with compact rosettes of glossy tender lightly mustardy dark-green leaves.
Quantity
About 300 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Easy to moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Species
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
Cultivar
Asian Green
Type
Organic annual Asian leafy vegetable
Cycle
Annual
Organic ‘Asian Green’ tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa ‘Asian Green’) is an annual Asian leafy vegetable forming compact rosettes of glossy tender dark-green leaves. The Biologiquement Vôtre workbook lists approximately 300 organic non-heirloom open-pollinated seeds, height and spread of 15–20 cm, baby leaves ready from about 21 days, and full rosettes between 21 and 45 days. Mild lightly mustardy flavour recalls spinach and Asian greens.
Direct sow April through September approximately 0.5 cm deep in cool fertile organic-rich well-drained soil. Maintain 10–20°C and even moisture; emergence generally takes 5–10 days. Thin to 15 or 20 cm for airy rosettes. Full sun suits cool weather while light partial shade slows drying and bolting during heat. Make small successive sowings to stagger baby leaves and mature rosettes.
Harvest outer leaves from approximately three weeks with clean scissors without cutting the centre if regrowth is desired. For a whole rosette cut at the crown once it reaches the desired size generally within the 21–45 day window. Pick in the morning, cool promptly, and wash only before use. Serve baby leaves raw or cook larger leaves by steaming sautéing or in soup. Yield number of cuts precise varietal resistance and maximum storage life are unconfirmed.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
15 to 20 cm between plants and 25 to 30 cm between rows
Establishment temperature
10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F)
Establishment time
5 to 10 days
Best planting time
April through September especially spring and late summer
Propagation
Direct sowing
Growing method
Direct sow April through September 0.5 cm deep in cool fertile drained soil. Maintain 10–20°C and even moisture until emergence in 5–10 days. Thin to 15–20 cm, weed shallowly, and protect from flea beetles if needed. Make small successive sowings especially in spring and late summer. Harvest outer leaves from about 21 days without cutting the centre or cut a whole rosette between 21 and 45 days. Provide light partial shade during heat to slow bolting.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Minimum temperature
-8°C (18°F)
Watering
Keep the surface evenly moist during germination for uniform emergence without a crust blocking seedlings. After emergence water deeply when the top two or three centimetres begin to dry. Drought-stressed tatsoi bolts sooner, develops tougher leaves, and has stronger flavour while prolonged saturation encourages root suffocation and rot. Water at soil level in the morning, avoid unnecessarily wetting foliage, and mulch lightly after thinning. In containers check moisture daily during hot weather without leaving standing water in the saucer.
Soil type
Prepare cool fertile loose organic-rich well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH near 6.0–7.0. Incorporate mature compost before sowing to support rapid rosette formation without fresh manure or excessive inputs. Work soil when neither sticky nor dusty and break large clods. In heavy soil use a raised bed or drained planter. Avoid compacting the row and rotate away from other Brassicaceae to reduce buildup of soilborne diseases and pests.
Fertilization
Incorporate a moderate amount of mature compost before sowing to support rapid leaf growth. Asian Green tatsoi needs little feeding during its short cycle: excess nitrogen produces soft tissue, may intensify certain insect problems, and does not necessarily improve flavour. If soil is poor or a test confirms deficiency apply a light dose of balanced leafy-vegetable fertilizer according to its label, then water. Do not use fresh manure or place concentrated fertilizer against seed or roots. In fresh pre-enriched potting mix no additional feeding is normally needed before the first harvests.
Seasonal care
Make small sowings April through September, keep moist until emergence, then thin to 15–20 cm. Weed shallowly and mulch lightly once rosettes establish. Protect young leaves from flea beetles with insect netting if needed and monitor slugs caterpillars aphids and rot symptoms. Maintain even moisture and frequently harvest outer leaves without cutting the centre. During strong heat favour a new sowing in partial shade or late summer. Remove diseased Brassicaceae residues and rotate crops.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal)
Choose a broad 10–15 L container at least 15–20 cm deep with several drainage holes. Fill with cool fertile organic-rich well-drained potting mix. Sow 0.5 cm deep then thin to 15–20 cm to retain only a few well-formed rosettes. Place in full sun during cool weather or light partial shade during warm periods. Maintain even moisture without standing water, rotate for balanced light, and harvest outer leaves from about three weeks without damaging the centre.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Herbaceous rosette
Growth rate
Very fast in cool weather
Bloom period
Small yellow flowers when plants bolt
Fruiting
Seed pods developing after flowering
Harvest
Harvest young outer leaves from approximately 21 days with clean scissors without cutting the centre if regrowth is desired. For a whole rosette cut at the crown once it reaches the desired size generally between 21 and 45 days. Pick in the morning, cool promptly, and wash only before use. Renew sowing when heat drought or flowering makes leaves tough and strong. Number of cuts is not guaranteed. Discard wilted slimy mouldy or abnormal-smelling leaves.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Tomato, bean
Avoid planting with
Strawberry, radish
Salads stir-fries soups steaming and baby-green mixes
From the garden to inspiration.
Ginger-sautéed tatsoi — Rinse and dry leaves carefully immediately before cooking. Heat a little oil, add ginger and the thickest petioles, then add leaves until just wilted. Finish with a few drops of soy sauce or lemon and sesame. Cook thoroughly before serving, keep ingredients cold before preparation, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Discard any slimy mouldy or abnormal-smelling leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
For baby leaves cut outer leaves from about 21 days with clean scissors without damaging the centre. For a whole harvest cut the rosette at the crown once it reaches the desired size generally between 21 and 45 days. Pick in the morning, cool promptly, and wash only before use. Number of regrowths varies with conditions and is not guaranteed.
Baby leaves have mild lightly mustardy flavour recalling spinach and Asian greens. They may be served raw in salads or baby-green mixes. Larger leaves and tender petioles suit steaming soups and stir-fries. Heat drought and flowering generally strengthen flavour and firm texture.
Yes. Use a broad well-drained 10–15 L container at least 15–20 cm deep. Fill with cool fertile potting mix, sow 0.5 cm deep, then thin to 15–20 cm. Place in sun during cool weather or light partial shade during heat. Maintain even moisture without standing water and harvest outer leaves from about three weeks without cutting the centre.
Grow mainly in spring and late summer, keep soil evenly moist, and use light partial shade during warm periods. Avoid stress from drought crowding or confined roots. Make small successive sowings to quickly replace bolted plants. Once a flower stalk forms leaves generally become stronger; harvest or renew the row rather than trying to reverse bolting.
