How to Grow Chinese Broccoli
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Chinese Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
vegetableChinese broccoli, also called gai lan, is a leafy green cruciferous vegetable prized for its tender stalks, small flower heads, and nutritious leaves. It has a slightly sweet, mild flavor with tender shoots that are commonly used in Asian stir-fries and cooking. The plant is more heat-tolerant than conventional broccoli and matures quickly.
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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; prefers cooler weather but tolerates heat better than traditional broccoli
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Get my Chinese Broccoli timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks; plant is delicate and pale green
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings if overcrowded; protect from drafts
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves; stem thickens; plant grows 3-6 inches tall with bushy foliage
Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer; ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth; water consistently
Stalk & Flower Development
1-2 weeksCentral stalk elongates; small flower buds form at the apex; side shoots begin developing; plant reaches 8-12 inches
Increase nitrogen slightly to support leafy growth; maintain consistent moisture; begin light harvesting of side shoots if desired
Flowering & Harvest Ready
1 weekTight clusters of small yellow-green flower buds appear; tender stalks and leaves are crisp; plant is 10-14 inches tall
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; harvest main head and side shoots; maintain cool temperatures if possible
Post-Harvest Side Shoots
2-3 weeksAfter main head is harvested, multiple side shoots emerge along the stem; these shoots are tender and prolific
Continue watering and light feeding; harvest side shoots when 3-4 inches long; succession planting extends season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-picking; neem oil spray
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Row covers; neem oil; diatomaceous earth; kaolin clay spray; remove crop residue
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs; reflective mulch
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Bt spray; hand-picking; netting; encourage parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian cuisine
CulinaryChinese broccoli is a staple in Asian cooking, prized for its tender stalks and leaves that cook quickly. The mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. [source]
Steaming & light cooking
CulinaryThe entire plant—stalks, leaves, and flower buds—can be steamed or lightly boiled, served with garlic and oil, or used in soups and noodle dishes. [source]
Nutrient-dense superfood
MedicinalChinese broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Quick-growing kitchen garden crop
HouseholdWith a 45-60 day maturity and extended harvests from side shoots, Chinese broccoli is ideal for succession planting and home gardens seeking fast, repeated yields. [source]
Pollinator & beneficial insect support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, Chinese broccoli's small yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 central head when flower buds are tight and green, before flowers open (45-60 days after planting). Cut 1-2 inches below the head with a sharp knife. After harvesting the main head, side shoots will develop along the stem; harvest these tender shoots when they reach 3-4 inches long over the next 2-3 weeks. Harvest in the morning for best tenderness and flavor. Regular harvesting encourages more side shoot production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is not a cross between broccoli and kale—it is its own distinct variety of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and has been cultivated in China for centuries.
- 🌱 Unlike standard broccoli, Chinese broccoli thrives in warm weather and can be harvested repeatedly from side shoots for up to 3-4 weeks after the main head is cut, making it highly productive for its compact size.
- 🌱 The entire plant is edible and nutritious; many gardeners and chefs prize the tender stalks and leaves as much as the flower heads, with some varieties specifically bred for thick, succulent stems.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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