How to Grow Yu Choy
Wikimedia Commons
Yu Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis
vegetableYu choy is a leafy green cruciferous vegetable popular in Asian cuisine, characterized by tender leaves and edible flowering stems. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals. The plant grows quickly and can be harvested at multiple stages.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Yu Choy 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 Yu Choy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Yu Choy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Yu Choy
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yu Choy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; cool-season crop, best in spring and fall
Sign up free to see if Yu Choy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Yu Choy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge with 2-4 true leaves developing; plant is 1-2 inches tall
Keep soil evenly moist; provide bright light and protection from direct heat; thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRapid leaf expansion with multiple true leaves forming; plant develops 4-8 leaves and stems thicken
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures below 75°F; apply light nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; remove any diseased leaves promptly
Stem Development
1-2 weeksCentral flowering stems begin to elongate with leaf clusters forming along the stems; buds may appear at stem tips
Continue regular watering and feeding; maintain cool conditions to delay bolting; harvest outer leaves to encourage bushier growth
Flowering
1-2 weeksSmall yellow flowers bloom at stem tips; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall; stems become more tender and succulent
Harvest flowering stems regularly to prevent full seed production and extend harvest period; maintain consistent moisture
Harvest & Decline
Ongoing until bolting completesPlant is in full production with edible leaves, stems, and flower buds; foliage may yellow if temperatures rise significantly
Harvest frequently to maintain tenderness and productivity; allow some plants to flower fully for seeds if desired; cut plant at soil level or harvest individual stems
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
-
Install fine mesh row covers; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and parasitic wasps
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain adequate air circulation; avoid nitrogen excess
-
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves
Uses
Stir-frying and Asian Cuisine
CulinaryYu choy is a staple in Chinese cooking, particularly in Cantonese cuisine. The tender leaves and flowering stems are commonly stir-fried with garlic, oil, and oyster sauce as a classic side dish. [source]
Fresh Salads and Raw Consumption
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads or as a fresh vegetable with dips. The mild flavor makes it suitable for mixed green salads and Asian-style fresh preparations. [source]
Nutritional and Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalYu choy is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium, plus glucosinolates with potential anti-cancer properties. Traditional Chinese medicine values it for its cooling properties and digestive benefits. [source]
Soups and Hot Dishes
CulinaryThe stems and leaves are frequently added to broths, soups, and steamed dishes, absorbing flavors while maintaining a tender-crisp texture. [source]
Quick Spring and Fall Crops
HouseholdYu choy's rapid maturation (45-60 days) makes it ideal for succession planting and filling garden gaps, providing fresh harvests in cool seasons when other crops slow. [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 leaves when plant is 4-6 inches tall by pinching off outer leaves; harvest flowering stems when buds form but flowers haven't fully opened for best tenderness; cut stems 1-2 inches above soil level to encourage regrowth; morning harvest yields crispest greens; can harvest continuously for 3-4 weeks; avoid harvesting more than 1/3 of plant at once to maintain productivity
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Yu choy flowers turn bright yellow and are edible, adding color and subtle flavor to dishes before the plant fully bolts.
- 🌱 The plant is closely related to bok choy and broccoli but has a more delicate, tender texture that makes it ideal for quick-cooking methods.
- 🌱 In Asian markets, yu choy is often sold with roots intact and rubber bands around bundles, and the entire edible portion including stems, leaves, and flowering tips can be consumed.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Yu Choy planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Yu Choy 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 Yu Choy timeline →