How to Grow Hon Tsai Tai
Wikimedia Commons
Hon Tsai Tai
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
vegetableHon Tsai Tai, also known as Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale, is a leafy green vegetable prized for its tender stems, small flower buds, and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Native to southern China, it combines the appearance of broccoli with the leafiness of kale. This cool-season crop is quick-growing and highly productive.
When should you plant Hon Tsai Tai in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Hon Tsai Tai timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Hon Tsai Tai
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Hon Tsai Tai
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hon Tsai Tai dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; excellent for spring and fall gardening
Sign up free to see if Hon Tsai Tai grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Hon Tsai Tai timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall, delicate leaves emerge with cotyledons visible. True leaves develop within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and begins forming a central stem. Foliage is dark green and lobed.
Water consistently. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests. Mulch to retain moisture.
Budding
1-2 weeksCentral stem thickens and clusters of small flower buds form at the top, resembling miniature broccoli heads. Leaves remain tender.
Continue consistent watering and feeding. This is the most harvestable stage. Look for tight, compact buds.
Flowering
1-2 weeksBuds open into small yellow flowers along the main stem and side shoots. Stems and leaves remain edible but become slightly tougher.
Harvest promptly if buds open; flavor remains good but texture changes. Side shoots continue to produce smaller buds.
Mature/Side Shoot Production
2-4 weeksAfter main head harvest, multiple side shoots develop with their own smaller buds, extending the harvest period.
Continue harvesting side shoots. Keep watering and fertilizing. Plant may bolt if temperatures rise significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers, hand-pick, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or spinosad spray
-
Apply neem oil, row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, or spinosad
-
Spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
-
Hand-pick, use row covers, spray with neem oil or strong water jets
-
Rotate crops (3+ year rotation), improve drainage, lime soil to raise pH, remove affected plants
Uses
Stir-frying and sautéing
CulinaryHon Tsai Tai is the traditional choice for Asian stir-fry dishes, where its tender stems and mild flavor shine when cooked quickly with garlic and oil. The entire plant—stems, leaves, and buds—are edible and cook in just 2-3 minutes. [source]
Steaming and blanching
CulinaryThe delicate texture makes Hon Tsai Tai ideal for steaming whole or blanching briefly. It pairs well with ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce in light, health-conscious preparations. [source]
Nutritional and anti-inflammatory benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties), Hon Tsai Tai supports bone health and immune function. Traditional Chinese medicine values it for promoting circulation and digestion. [source]
Quick-growing spring and fall garden crop
HouseholdWith a 45-65 day maturity and preference for cool weather, Hon Tsai Tai fills spring and autumn garden gaps efficiently. It produces prolifically, providing weeks of continuous harvests from a small space. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Hon Tsai Tai's bright yellow blossoms attract bees and beneficial insects. This also supports garden biodiversity and can help with natural pest control. [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 buds are tight and compact, before flowers open—typically 45-65 days from seeding. Cut the main head first, leaving the plant intact to produce side shoots. Continue harvesting side shoots for 2-4 weeks. Morning harvest after dew dries yields best flavor. Use a clean knife to cut stems 1-2 inches below the bud cluster. Tender stems, leaves, and buds are all edible.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hon Tsai Tai means 'Chinese broccoli' in Cantonese and is a staple in dim sum restaurants and Cantonese cuisine, often served simply steamed or stir-fried with oyster sauce.
- 🌱 Unlike common broccoli, Hon Tsai Tai produces continuous side shoots for weeks after the main head is harvested, making it extremely productive and economical for small-space gardeners.
- 🌱 This crop is so cold-tolerant that it actually becomes sweeter after a light frost, as cool temperatures convert starches to sugars—making fall harvests particularly flavorful.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Hon Tsai Tai planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Hon Tsai Tai seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Hon Tsai Tai timeline →