How to Grow Jing Lv
Jing Lv
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
vegetableJing Lv is a Chinese mustard green variety known for its tender, mild-flavored leaves and edible stems. It grows as a compact, upright plant producing nutrient-dense dark green foliage. This cool-season crop is popular in Asian cuisine and matures quickly, making it ideal for succession planting.
When should you plant Jing Lv in your zone?
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Example Jing Lv timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Jing Lv
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 Jing Lv
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jing Lv dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows best in spring and fall when temperatures are cool (50-70°F)
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Get my Jing Lv timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-10 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge; cotyledons visible within 5-10 days
Keep soil consistently moist; maintain temperatures between 60-70°F; provide indirect light after sprouting
Seedling
2-3 weeksPlant develops 2-4 true leaves; small but recognizable rosette formation begins
Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have true leaves; ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth; continue regular watering
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant expands rapidly with 6-8 dark green leaves forming a compact rosette; stem thickens at base
Maintain consistent soil moisture; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; monitor for pests and diseases; provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 75°F
Mature Vegetative
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full size with dense, tender foliage and thickened stems; ready for harvest when 8-12 inches tall
Continue regular watering and fertilization; harvest outer leaves to encourage continued growth; prevent bolting by maintaining cool temperatures
Bolting/Flowering (avoid for quality)
1-2 weeks before harvesting recommendedPlant sends up flowering stalk; leaves become tough and bitter; quality declines
Harvest immediately once bolting begins if using the plant; plant in cool season to prevent bolting; succession sow for continuous harvest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant nasturtiums as trap crop; maintain consistent watering to reduce plant stress
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Install floating row covers; handpick caterpillars; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) weekly; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; release ladybugs and parasitic wasps; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil every 7-10 days; maintain good air circulation; remove affected leaves
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Practice crop rotation (3-4 year break from brassicas); ensure well-draining soil; lime soil to raise pH; destroy infected plants; sanitize tools
Uses
Stir-fries and Asian Dishes
CulinaryJing Lv's tender leaves and mild flavor make it ideal for quick stir-fries, soups, and traditional Chinese cuisine. The stems are especially prized for their crisp texture and subtle sweetness. [source]
Fresh Salads and Raw Preparations
CulinaryYoung, tender Jing Lv leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Baby leaves harvested early provide the most tender texture. [source]
Nutritional and Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalAs a brassica, Jing Lv is rich in glucosinolates, vitamins A, C, and K, and contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Traditional medicine values it for improving digestion and circulation. [source]
Blanching and Preservation
CulinaryJing Lv can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage, making it useful for preserving seasonal harvests. It also pickles well and maintains good texture when processed. [source]
Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, Jing Lv provides nectar and pollen for beneficial insects including pollinators and predatory wasps that help control garden pests. [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 plants are 8-12 inches tall and leaves are tender; cut outer leaves first to encourage continued growth, or harvest entire plant at base with a sharp knife; morning harvest yields crispest leaves; can be harvested at baby-leaf stage (30 days) for tender greens; multiple harvests possible from single plant over 3-4 weeks; best flavor when grown in cool temperatures; use within 3-5 days of harvest for optimal quality
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Jing Lv is a traditional Chinese green that has been cultivated for over 1,000 years and remains a staple in Asian markets and home gardens.
- 🌱 The name 'Jing Lv' translates roughly to 'Beijing green' or 'Capital green,' indicating its origin in the Beijing region of China where it was developed.
- 🌱 Unlike other brassicas, Jing Lv grows quickly (40-60 days) and can be succession planted every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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