How to Grow Choy Sum 60
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Choy Sum 60
Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis
vegetableChoy Sum 60 is a fast-maturing Chinese leafy green that produces tender flowering stems and small flower buds prized in Asian cuisine. This variety matures in approximately 60 days and is ideal for both home and commercial growers seeking quick harvests. The plant grows 12-18 inches tall with succulent stems and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
When should you plant Choy Sum 60 in your zone?
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Example Choy Sum 60 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Choy Sum 60
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 Choy Sum 60
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Choy Sum 60 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; can be grown year-round in zones 9-10
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Get my Choy Sum 60 timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 5-10 days. First true leaves appear, plant is delicate with 2-4 leaves. Seedlings grow slowly at first.
Keep soil warm (60-70°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and leaves rapidly. Foliage is lush green with 6-10 leaves per stem. Height reaches 6-10 inches.
Ensure consistent moisture and regular feeding. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests. Thin if crowded to improve air circulation.
Stem Elongation
2-3 weeksPrimary stems elongate to 10-15 inches. Secondary side shoots begin to develop. Plant reaches most of its final height.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Support stems with light staking if needed in windy conditions. Watch for bolting in warm weather.
Flowering Bud Development
1-2 weeksSmall yellow flower buds form at stem tips and leaf axils. Buds are tender and bright green-yellow, the most desirable harvesting stage. Plant height stabilizes at 12-18 inches.
Begin harvest as soon as buds appear for best tenderness and flavor. Continue watering and applying dilute fertilizer to support bud production.
Flowering & Decline
1+ weeksYellow flowers open if not harvested. Plant begins to decline in quality as energy goes to flowering and seed production.
Harvest immediately to prevent flowering. If allowing to mature, provide adequate water and support. Pull plant after flowering ceases.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers during planting season, handpick larvae, apply neem oil or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays
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Deploy row covers, use reflective mulches, spray with neem oil or kaolin clay, maintain proper spacing for air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
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Use sticky yellow traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, remove heavily infested leaves
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Handpick caterpillars, use Bt spray, deploy row covers, remove plant debris
Uses
Stir-frying & Asian cuisine
CulinaryChoy Sum 60 is a staple in Chinese, Thai, and Southeast Asian cooking. The tender stems and flower buds are prized for stir-fries, soups, and steamed dishes with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and succulent texture. [source]
Fresh vegetable dishes
CulinaryServe steamed or blanched as a side dish with a simple drizzle of sesame oil and garlic. The flower buds and young stems are tender enough to eat raw in salads or as a crunchy appetizer. [source]
Nutritional health benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. Contains glucosinolates with potential anti-cancer properties. Traditional Chinese medicine uses Choy Sum for digestive and respiratory health. [source]
Quick kitchen garden vegetable
HouseholdIdeal for container gardening and small spaces due to compact size. Fast maturity (60 days) makes it perfect for succession planting and continuous harvests throughout the growing season. [source]
Beneficial insect attraction
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, yellow blossoms attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Provides early season nectar and pollen for honeybees and native bees. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when flower buds are visible but before flowers open, typically 55-65 days from planting. Cut stems at the base or pick individual flower buds using sharp pruners or a knife. Harvest in the early morning for best texture and flavor. Continue harvesting side shoots for extended production. Most tender and flavorful when buds are small and tightly closed. Plant can produce for 3-4 weeks if harvested regularly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Choy Sum is one of the fastest-maturing Chinese greens, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking quick returns and succession planting strategies.
- 🌱 The '60' designation specifically refers to the 60-day maturity window, making this variety ideal for season extension and continuous harvesting.
- 🌱 In traditional Asian markets, Choy Sum with intact flower buds commands premium prices due to its tender texture and superior flavor compared to mature, flowering plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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