How to Grow Chinese Broccoli

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Chinese Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

vegetable

Chinese broccoli, also called gai lan, is a leafy green vegetable featuring tender stems, small flower buds, and nutritious leaves. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is a staple in Asian cuisine. The plant is closely related to common broccoli but produces longer stems and larger leaves with smaller flowering heads.

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Example Chinese Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Chinese Broccoli
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Chinese Broccoli
Around Jun 1

≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Broccoli dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly depending on weather. Mulch to retain moisture and keep soil cool.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-10; prefers cool-season growing in spring and fall

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small, tender leaves emerge with two cotyledons visible. First true leaves are slightly wavy and blue-green.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing to reduce competition.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple true leaves and establishes a strong stem. Foliage is dark green and becomes increasingly waxy. Leaf size increases significantly.

Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Maintain consistent watering. Monitor for pest damage. Keep soil temperature cool with mulch.

Stem & Bud Development

2-3 weeks

Main central stem thickens and elongates. Small flower buds begin to form at the top. Side shoots may develop lower on the stem.

Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Reduce nitrogen slightly to encourage flowering rather than excessive leaf growth. Watch for bolting in warm weather.

Flowering & Harvest Readiness

1-2 weeks

Small green flower buds cluster at the stem tip, resembling miniature broccoli heads. Buds are compact and tightly arranged. Leaves remain tender and edible.

Water consistently to plump buds. Harvest when buds are tight and before flowers open. Secondary side shoots will develop after main head harvest.

Secondary Growth (Post-Harvest)

2-4 weeks

After main stem harvest, lateral side shoots emerge from leaf axils, each developing smaller flower buds. Plant may continue producing for several weeks.

Continue fertilizing and watering to sustain production. Harvest side shoots when buds are young and tender. Eventually plant may bolt or slow production as temperatures shift.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Garlic onions beets spinach lettuce carrots chamomile dill thyme

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes fennel kohlrabi cabbage cauliflower other brassicas (to reduce pest/disease pressure)

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; handpick larvae; plant dill and garlic nearby
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil as needed
Hand removal of caterpillars; Bt spray; row covers on young plants; encourage parasitic wasps
Use floating row covers; apply neem oil; diatomaceous earth on foliage; reflective mulches
Avoid planting brassicas in same location for 4-5 years; ensure good drainage; raise soil pH; use resistant varieties where available

Uses

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Stir-fries & Asian Cooking

Culinary

Chinese broccoli is a cornerstone ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and Asian dishes. The tender stems, leafy greens, and flower buds are all edible and delicious when lightly cooked or steamed with garlic and oil. [source]

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Fresh Vegetables & Side Dishes

Culinary

Can be blanched, steamed, sautéed, or roasted. Tender young leaves are sometimes eaten raw in salads. The entire plant is highly nutritious with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. [source]

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Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Benefits

Medicinal

Like other brassicas, Chinese broccoli contains glucosinolates and sulforaphane compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various health benefits. [source]

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Nutritional Powerhouse

Culinary

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and fiber. Excellent source of plant-based nutrition and phytonutrients that support overall health. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to flower, the small blooms attract bees and other pollinators. Attracts parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest the main head when flower buds are tight and compact, typically 45-60 days after planting. Cut 6-8 inches below the top bud cluster with a sharp knife. Side shoots will continue to develop after main stem harvest; pick these when 4-6 inches long and buds are still tender. Harvest regularly to encourage more side shoot production. Flavor is sweetest and texture most tender before flower buds open.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chinese broccoli (gai lan) has been cultivated in China for centuries and is a dietary staple throughout Asia, yet remains relatively uncommon in Western gardens despite its superior flavor and tenderness compared to standard broccoli.
🌱 Unlike common broccoli, you can harvest Chinese broccoli multiple times from a single plant—cutting the main head encourages 3-5 side shoots to develop, extending harvest season by several weeks.
🌱 The entire plant is edible: the tender stems have a delicate, sweet crunch similar to kohlrabi, the leaves taste mild and slightly nutty, and the buds resemble tiny broccoli florets with a unique tender texture.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Full Sun Mulch True Leaves

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