How to Grow Tong Ho
Tong Ho
Chrysanthemum coronarium
vegetableTong Ho, also known as garland chrysanthemum or edible chrysanthemum, is a leafy green vegetable popular in Asian cuisine. The plant produces tender, feathery leaves with a slightly peppery, aromatic flavor and is often used in stir-fries and soups. It's a cool-season crop that grows quickly and is highly nutritious.
When should you plant Tong Ho in your zone?
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Example Tong Ho timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tong Ho
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 Tong Ho
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tong Ho 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 mild climates
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Get my Tong Ho timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves) and develop their first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Thin seedlings if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops characteristic feathery, finely-divided leaves with a bushy growth habit. Leaves are tender and bright green.
Maintain consistent moisture and provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch off early flower buds to encourage leaf production.
Pre-Flowering
1-2 weeksPlant begins to elongate and prepare for flowering. Leaves remain harvestable but may become slightly tougher.
Continue harvesting outer leaves to delay bolting. Pinch back flower buds to extend the vegetative stage.
Flowering & Bolting
1-2 weeksSmall yellow or white daisy-like flowers appear at branch tips. Plant energy shifts from leaf to flower production.
Plant is past peak harvest quality. Allow some plants to flower for seeds if desired, or remove them to make space for succession plantings.
Seed Development
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and develop small seed heads (achenes). Foliage becomes tougher and less palatable.
Harvest seeds by cutting flower heads and allowing them to dry. Plant is no longer suitable for culinary harvest.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain good air circulation.
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Use row covers to protect young plants. Spray with neem oil or pyrethrin if damage appears. Remove affected leaves.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water).
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian Cooking
CulinaryTong Ho is a staple in Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. The tender leaves and stems are commonly stir-fried with garlic, oil, and soy sauce, or added to soups and hot pots near the end of cooking. [source]
Fresh Salads & Raw Use
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads for a peppery, slightly floral taste. Often mixed with milder greens to balance the aromatic flavor. [source]
Traditional Health Tonic
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine, Tong Ho is believed to have cooling properties and is used to reduce body heat and inflammation. Often brewed as a tea or added to soups for wellness benefits. [source]
Nutritious Green Vegetable
HouseholdRich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including calcium and potassium. Low in calories, making it an excellent nutritious addition to any diet. [source]
Ornamental & Edible Flowers
CraftThe small yellow or white flowers are edible and can be used to garnish dishes or added fresh to salads for a delicate floral presentation. [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 outer leaves when plant is 4-6 inches tall, about 3-4 weeks after planting. Pinch off leaves gently from the outside in, allowing the center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. The entire above-ground plant can be harvested if desired, or leaves can be continuously picked for 6-8 weeks. Best harvested while young and tender, before flowering. Cut plants about 1-2 inches above soil level for regrowth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tong Ho is also called 'edible chrysanthemum' or 'garland chrysanthemum,' but it is actually a different species from the ornamental chrysanthemums typically grown for flowers.
- 🌱 In Japan, Tong Ho is known as 'shungiku' and is a beloved ingredient in sukiyaki and hot pot dishes, where it's added at the very end to preserve its delicate flavor.
- 🌱 The plant bolts relatively quickly in warm weather, making it ideal for spring and fall growing in many climates, but it can be grown year-round in mild, cool regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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