Gai Lan/Chinese Broccoli
Early Jade
Great tasting “superfood” Gai Lan is a cool season crop, ready to start harvesting in just 6 to 7 weeks. Its flavor is similar to fresh broccoli, but more mild and sweet and just delicious simply stirfried or quickly sautéed. Once you cut its thick, juicy stalks topped with edible buds and creamy blossoms, they will regrow for a second harvest. Besides flavor, Gai Lan is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Grow your own; it’s hard to find in most markets!
START SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
In very early spring as soon as ground can be worked, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin to stand 4 to 6 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Sow Gai Lan in cool early spring weather, about the same time as you plant turnips and radishes. Consistent moisture, early thinning and an adequate supply of nitrogen will encourage the quick growth needed to produce thick, juicy stalks of leaves and flower buds. Use non-toxic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) products to control caterpillar pests as necessary. Make several sowings a week apart for a continuous harvest. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest both leaves and flowering stalks at 7 to 8 inches tall, when stalks are still tender. After cutting, water plants and feed with fish emulsion solution to get a second harvest in a few weeks.
Enjoy the broccoli-like flavor of vitamin-rich Gai Lan by quickly stirfrying with ginger and garlic. Oyster or black bean sauce and a spritz of toasted sesame oil and hot sauce are other tasty additions..
Plant In |
Sun/Shade |
Planting Depth |
Space Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb. – May |
Full sun
|
1/2 inch
|
2 inches
|
7 – 10 days
|
55 – 60 days
|
Plant In |
Sun/Shade |
Planting Depth |
Space Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb. – May |
Full sun
|
1/2 inch
|
2 inches
|
7 – 10 days
|
55 – 60 days
|
Plant InFeb. – May |
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Planting Depth
1/2 inch
|
Space Seeds
2 inches
|
Days To Germinate
7 – 10 days
|
Days To Harvest
55 – 60 days
|