How to Grow Tung Fang Long
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Tung Fang Long
Asparagus cochinchinensis
vegetableTung Fang Long, also known as Chinese asparagus or dragon beans, is an Asian vegetable prized for its tender, slender shoots and delicate flavor. The plant produces long, thin green pods that are harvested young and commonly used in stir-fries and Asian cuisine. It is a warm-season climbing vine that can reach 6-10 feet in height.
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Example Tung Fang Long timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tung Fang Long
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 Tung Fang Long
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tung Fang Long dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown as annual in zones 8-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging from cotyledons. Very delicate and vulnerable.
Provide warmth (70-75°F), consistent moisture, and bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Keep humidity high.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and compound leaves. Climbing tendrils appear; plant becomes bushy and vigorous.
Provide sturdy trellis or support structure early. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white, cream, or pale yellow flowers appear in clusters along the vine. Flowers are followed by small immature pods.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Ensure adequate air circulation. Support heavy flowering branches.
Pod Development & Early Harvest
4-6 weeksYoung tender pods develop rapidly, typically 4-6 inches long and pencil-thin. Color remains bright green when harvested young.
Begin harvesting when pods are tender and immature. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Maintain consistent watering.
Extended Harvest
6-10 weeks or until first frostPlant continues producing new pods throughout warm season. Older pods become tough and fibrous if left unharvested.
Continue regular picking every 2-3 days. Feed every 3 weeks with diluted fertilizer. Watch for stressed plants in extreme heat.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Increase humidity and air circulation. Hose down foliage regularly.
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Spray with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or strong water spray. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Monitor regularly.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase air circulation.
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Hand-pick affected pods. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Remove affected plant material promptly.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Prune affected branches. Isolate heavily infested plants.
Uses
Stir-fries and Asian cooking
CulinaryTung Fang Long is a staple in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. The tender young pods are typically stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, or added to soups and noodle dishes. [source]
Fresh vegetable preparations
CulinaryThe young pods can be lightly steamed, blanched, or eaten raw in salads when very tender. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to asparagus. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdBeyond food production, Tung Fang Long vines with their delicate foliage and flowers make attractive living screens, trellises, and garden accents in warm climates. [source]
Traditional Asian medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine, asparagus species have been used to support respiratory and immune health, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making Tung Fang Long beneficial for supporting local pollinator populations in the garden. [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 pods are 4-6 inches long and still tender, typically 45-60 days after planting. Pick pods every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Grasp the pod gently and snap or cut cleanly with scissors. Harvest in early morning for best texture and flavor. Pods should snap easily when bent; if they bend without breaking, they are too mature. Continue harvesting until first frost or when growth slows significantly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tung Fang Long translates to 'East Dragon' in Chinese, referring to the vine's climbing growth habit and the shape of its young pods.
- 🌱 This vegetable is closely related to common asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) but produces edible pods rather than spears, making it unique among asparagus species in cultivation.
- 🌱 Tung Fang Long is virtually unknown in Western markets but is a beloved summer vegetable across China, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries, where it appears regularly in farmers' markets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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