How to Grow Chinese Broccoli
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Chinese Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
vegetableChinese broccoli, also called gai lan, is a leafy cruciferous vegetable with thick, tender stems and small flower heads. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is a staple in Asian cuisine. The entire plant—stems, leaves, and florets—is edible and highly nutritious.
When should you plant Chinese Broccoli in your zone?
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Example Chinese Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chinese Broccoli
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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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
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; grows best as a cool-season crop in spring and fall
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Get my Chinese Broccoli timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge 5-10 days after planting; first true leaves appear within 2 weeks
Keep soil moist; provide bright light if indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant carefully
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops thick, waxy green leaves on sturdy stems; no flowering yet. Stems thicken and leaves expand
Maintain consistent moisture and feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture
Budding
1-2 weeksSmall green flower buds form at the stem tips, clustered like miniature broccoli heads
Continue regular watering and feeding. Monitor for pests which attack buds. Keep soil consistently moist
Flowering/Harvest Ready
1-2 weeks at peak harvestFlower buds tighten and reach harvestable size (2-4 inches). Buds may show small yellow florets if left too long
Harvest when buds are firm and mostly closed. Cutting encourages side shoots for repeat harvests
Secondary Growth
3-4 weeks or until cold weatherAfter main harvest, smaller side shoots develop along the stem, providing additional smaller harvests
Continue watering and fertilizing. Side shoots mature in 2-3 weeks and can be harvested repeatedly until frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers before infestation; hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant with stronger-scented companions
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil application
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; reflective mulch
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Avoid planting brassicas in infected soil; maintain pH above 6.5; practice crop rotation; remove infected plants immediately
Uses
Stir-fry and Asian Cooking
CulinaryChinese broccoli is a cornerstone of Asian cuisine, particularly Cantonese cooking. The tender stems and leaves cook quickly and pair perfectly with garlic, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. [source]
Fresh and Cooked Vegetables
CulinarySteam, boil, or blanch as a side dish; raw young leaves can be added to salads. The entire plant is edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that appeals to many palates. [source]
Nutritional and Anti-cancer Properties
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, K and minerals; contains glucosinolates that research suggests may have anti-cancer properties. Traditional Chinese medicine values it for promoting circulation and detoxification. [source]
Juice and Smoothie Base
HouseholdYoung leaves and stems can be juiced or blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost without overwhelming flavor. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Chinese broccoli produces abundant yellow flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden. [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 when the main head is 2-4 inches tall with tightly closed buds, typically 45-60 days from planting. Cut the main stem 1-2 inches above soil level with a sharp knife. The plant will produce tender side shoots for additional harvests over 2-3 weeks. Best harvested in early morning when stems are crisp. In cool climates, can harvest until first hard frost
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese broccoli is not a true broccoli but rather a type of turnip green; it's closely related to collards and kale rather than heading broccoli
- 🌱 In Cantonese, it's called 'gai lan' (芥蘭), and it's considered one of the 'four treasures' of Cantonese cuisine alongside bok choy, choy sum, and water spinach
- 🌱 The plant produces side shoots after the main head is harvested, making it one of the most productive brassicas relative to space used
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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