How to grow chinese broccoli
Overview
Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is a cool-season brassica grown for its tender stems, dark green leaves, and unopened flower shoots. It is harvested before flowering for the best flavour and texture. To succeed, plant in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil and keep growth steady with consistent moisture.
Varieties
- Kai Lan — The standard open-pollinated gai lan, reliable with good stem thickness and flavour.
- Green Jade — A compact, early-maturing variety suitable for tight spaces or container growing.
- Yvonne — A hybrid variety with uniform stems, vigorous growth, and excellent heat tolerance.
Soil Preparation
Prefers a well-drained, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Enrich the soil before planting with well-rotted compost or aged manure. Avoid heavy clay, or improve drainage with raised beds.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in rows 30–40 cm apart, thinning to 20–30 cm between plants. Direct sowing is easiest, but seedlings can be transplanted when 10–15 cm tall. Chinese broccoli thrives in full sun and fertile soil kept consistently moist; avoid waterlogging and drought. For best quality, grow when temperatures are between 15–20°C and use shade cloth if temperatures exceed 25°C to prevent premature bolting.
Sowing
Sow seeds 1 cm deep directly in the garden or into trays for transplanting. Germination takes 5–10 days at 15–25°C. Thin or space seedlings to 20–30 cm apart for good air circulation.
Care
Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser high in nitrogen, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. Remove yellowing lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Mulch around the base with organic material to keep soil cool and moist.
Companion Planting
Plant Chinese broccoli with aromatic herbs like dill, mint, and rosemary to repel pests. Also good companions are lettuce, spinach, and peas. Avoid following other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) in the same spot to reduce disease risk.
Common Pests & Risks
Cabbage white caterpillars are common; control with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or by hand-picking. Aphids and flea beetles can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and by encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybirds. Use fine netting to exclude butterflies and birds.
Harvesting
Harvest the main stem when it is 20–30 cm tall but before the yellow flowers open, cutting just above a leaf node to encourage side shoots. For a second harvest, leave lower leaves and stems; new shoots will develop from axils over several weeks.
In the Kitchen
Harvested stems, leaves, and flower shoots are best lightly steamed or stir-fried. Use fresh for the best flavour, or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. The taste is slightly bitter and peppery, similar to broccoli rabe.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often nitrogen deficiency or waterlogging – apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser and improve drainage. Brown leaf edges: inconsistent watering or salt build-up – maintain even moisture and flush soil periodically. Premature bolting: heat or stress – provide shade and consistent watering. Stunted growth: compacted soil or nutrient deficiency – loosen soil and feed with balanced fertiliser. Holes in leaves: flea beetles or cabbage white caterpillars – use row covers or apply neem oil.