How to Grow Tatsoi
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
Tatsoi is a cool-season Asian salad green with distinctive dark, glossy spoon-shaped leaves arranged in a flat rosette. Sow direct or under cover in early spring or late summer for autumn harvest. It matures in 45-50 days and can be harvested cut-and-come-again style. It tolerates light frost and can be grown under protection for winter harvests. Bolt-resistant in cool conditions but will run to seed quickly in heat — succession sow every 3 weeks for continuous supply. Distinct from pak choi in leaf shape and texture.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertiliser or liquid feed when plants are established. Leafy growth benefits from nitrogen.
- Tatsoi is distinct from pak choi — the leaves are smaller, rounder, spoon-shaped with a very dark glossy green colour forming a flat rosette. It is cold-hardy and can survive light frosts, making it excellent for autumn and overwintering sowings.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 7–24°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 15 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
For full rosette heads. Can be sown more densely (10-15cm) for cut-and-come-again baby leaf harvest.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 7–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Tatsoi?
- Plant Tatsoi 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Tatsoi?
- Tatsoi is ready to harvest approximately 30 days after transplanting.
- Is Tatsoi frost hardy?
- Tatsoi is classified as Hardy.
