How to Grow Flowering Chinese Greens
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Flowering Chinese Greens
Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis
vegetableFlowering Chinese greens, commonly known as choy sum or Chinese broccoli, are leafy Asian brassicas prized for their tender stems, leaves, and small flowering heads. They mature quickly and thrive in cool seasons, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor with delicate texture. These nutritious greens are staples in Asian cuisine and increasingly popular in Western gardens.
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Example Flowering Chinese Greens timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Flowering Chinese Greens
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 Flowering Chinese Greens
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; grows year-round in zones 9-10 with proper timing
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Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge; plants develop first true leaves with characteristic brassica shape
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart after true leaves appear. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative
20-30 daysRapid leaf and stem growth; plants develop 4-6 true leaves and begin forming characteristic rosette shape
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F ideal). Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for aphids and flea beetles.
Pre-flowering
10-15 daysCentral stem elongates; small flower buds begin forming at stem tips and leaf axils
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Ensure temperatures remain cool; heat triggers rapid bolting. Side stems may develop secondary flower buds.
Flowering
5-7 daysSmall yellow or white flower buds and some open flowers appear on main and side stems; leaves remain tender and edible
Harvest immediately when flower buds appear but before flowers fully open for best tenderness. Cut stem at 3-4 inches from base to encourage side shoot development.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
14-21 daysPlants produce multiple harvests from side shoots if main stem is cut properly; continues producing for 2-3 weeks
Make clean cuts at 45-degree angles. Continue watering and fertilizing for subsequent harvests. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until plants are established; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant nasturtiums as trap crops
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Use row covers; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick visible worms
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Install fine mesh netting; use Bt sprays; encourage parasitic wasps
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and
Remove debris; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; hand-pick in early morning
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Improve air circulation; spray sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; water at soil level only
Uses
Stir-fry staple
CulinaryFlowering Chinese greens are most popular in Asian stir-fries where stems, leaves, and tender flower buds are lightly cooked with garlic and oil. The delicate texture and mild flavor make them ideal for quick cooking at high heat. [source]
Nutritious raw use
CulinaryYoung tender leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads, offering a mild cabbage-like flavor with delicate texture. Provides vitamins A, C, K, and calcium. [source]
Cancer-preventing compounds
MedicinalLike all brassicas, flowering Chinese greens contain glucosinolates that convert to sulforaphane when broken down, potentially providing anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Soup and steaming
CulinaryStems and flowers are excellent in clear broths, steamed with light seasonings, or added to soups where their subtle flavor and tender texture shine. Cooking water can be reserved for stocks. [source]
Quick-growing succession crops
HouseholdWith a 45-60 day maturity and multiple harvests, flowering Chinese greens are ideal for succession planting every 2-3 weeks to ensure continuous supply throughout cool seasons. [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 flower buds appear but before flowers fully open, typically 45-60 days from seeding. Cut the main stem 3-4 inches above soil level to encourage side shoots; side stems will develop and provide 2-3 additional harvests over 3-4 weeks. For tender, best-quality greens, harvest in early morning after dew dries. Continuous harvesting keeps plants productive and delays bolting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Flowering Chinese greens are sometimes called 'choy sum' or 'Chinese broccoli,' though they're technically closer to a flowering mustard relative than true broccoli, making them a fast-growing alternative to larger brassicas.
- 🌱 The edible flowers are not only tender and nutritious but also slightly sweet, making them ideal garnishes for Asian cuisine and salads while adding visual appeal to dishes.
- 🌱 These plants can produce 2-3 successive harvests from side shoots if the main stem is cut correctly, making them one of the most productive cool-season vegetables for the garden space used.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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