How to Grow White Flowering Yu Choy
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White Flowering Yu Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis
vegetableWhite Flowering Yu Choy is an Asian leafy green vegetable with tender stems and small white or pale yellow flowers. It belongs to the Chinese mustard family and is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. Both the leaves and flowering stems are edible and commonly used in stir-fries and Asian cuisine.
When should you plant White Flowering Yu Choy in your zone?
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Example White Flowering Yu Choy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Flowering Yu Choy
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 White Flowering Yu Choy
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Flowering Yu Choy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons in warmer climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; first true leaves appear pale green and slightly lobed
Keep soil moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves develop; protect from slugs and flea beetles
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple lobed leaves on lengthening stems; foliage is tender and bright green; plant grows rapidly in cool conditions
Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost every 2-3 weeks; remove damaged leaves; monitor for pests
Bolting/Flowering
2-4 weeksPlant sends up flowering stems with small white to pale yellow flowers; leaves become slightly tougher but more flavorful; this stage is actually desirable for harvest
Continue regular watering; this is the prime harvest stage; pick flowering stems and tender leaves regularly to encourage more production
Peak Harvest
2-3 weeksPlant is full of tender flowering stems and buds; flowers are white or creamy yellow; entire plant is at optimal culinary quality
Harvest frequently and generously to prolong production; pinch or cut stems above leaf nodes to encourage branching; continue fertilizing lightly
Senescence
OngoingPlant begins to slow growth; flowers may set seed; leaves become tougher and more bitter; overall vigor declines
Consider replanting for successive harvests rather than waiting out decline; plants typically finish within 60 days; pull and compost spent plants
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; plant trap crops; maintain soil moisture to deter beetles
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Use floating row covers; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); hand-pick caterpillars; encourage beneficial parasitic wasps
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil in early morning or evening
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Remove debris and hiding spots; use copper barriers or slug traps; hand-pick at dusk; encourage ground beetles
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Use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; improve air circulation
Uses
Stir-fries and Asian dishes
CulinaryWhite Flowering Yu Choy is a staple in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian cuisine, prized for its tender stems and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The entire plant including leaves, stems, and flowers is used in quick stir-fries with garlic, ginger, and light sauces. [source]
Fresh and cooked preparations
CulinaryThe tender flowering stems can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, blanched, or added to soups just before serving. Young leaves are similarly versatile and can be used fresh or briefly cooked. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalLike other Brassica vegetables, Yu Choy contains glucosinolates, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron. These compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]
Seasonal gardening and succession planting
HouseholdWith a 40-60 day maturity and preference for cool weather, Yu Choy is ideal for spring and fall crops, and year-round production in mild climates. Its quick harvest cycle allows multiple plantings throughout the growing season. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeThe white flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and allowing some plants to flower supports beneficial insects. The plant also attracts predatory insects 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
Begin harvesting 40-60 days after planting or when flowering stems are visible and tender. Pinch or cut flower buds and young stems just above a leaf node; this encourages branching and extended production. Harvest in early morning for best flavor and texture. Continue harvesting regularly every 3-4 days to promote new growth. Individual plants can produce multiple harvests over 2-3 weeks. Remove outer, tougher leaves first, leaving inner growth points intact. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Flowering Yu Choy is also known as Chinese broccoli or choy sum, but differs from standard choy sum in its pure white flowers and somewhat milder flavor profile.
- 🌱 The plant is incredibly fast-growing and can be harvested just 40 days after direct seeding, making it one of the quickest vegetables from seed to table.
- 🌱 In Asian markets, Yu Choy is often sold with the white flowers still intact, as the unopened flower buds are considered a delicacy with a tender texture and subtle sweetness.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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