Rosette Tatsoi

TO START OUTDOORS

In very early spring, plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. Cover 1⁄4 inch deep and keep evenly moist to ensure good germination. When well established, thin seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart, so they have room to mature into large rosettes.

TO START INDOORS

Several weeks before last frost, sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are about 3 inches tall. Transplant outdoors 6 to 8 inches apart, as plants mature into large rosettes.

GROWING NOTES

Tatsoi thrives in rich soil and cool growing conditions. Space seedlings properly and keep well weeded and watered for best tasting, full heads. Feed several times during the quick growing season with fish emulsion or another high nitrogen fertilizer for best growth. Sow again in late summer for a fast growing fall crop.

HARVEST AND USE

Use early thinnings for salads. Cut whole mature rosettes of leaves when plump and well filled out – they reach a foot or more across! Use the pretty, dark green, teardrop shaped leaves for fresh, tasty salads, quick stir-fries, or braised until tender-crisp. Tatsoi is both mild and sweet tasting and absolutely chock full of vitamins and antioxidants.