Asian Greens Seeds - Tatsoi

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 350

Packet Weight: 2g

Planting Season: Spring, Fall

Sowing Method: Transplant or Direct Seed

Seed Depth: 1/4"

Direct Seed Spacing: 1"

Soil Temperature: 50-80 ℉

Days to Sprout: 3-12

Mature Spacing: 6-8"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Tolerant

Days to Harvest: 45

When to Seed Greens

Greens come in different varieties running in color, texture, and shape of leaves. They come from all different parts of the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Southeastern US - that being said, they all grow quite similarly. With a few exceptions like molokhia, amaranth, and summer spinach, most other varieties of greens thrive in cooler temperatures. Aim to start these seeds about four weeks before the last frost. Fall planting can typically tolerate some frost, which can actually make the greens sweeter. 

Where to Plant Greens

Most greens grow best in moist, rich soil with full sun to partial shade. Prepare for planting by spreading a three inch thick layer of compost over your planting area. 

Growing Greens

Sow seeds at the depth and direct seed spacing indicated on the seed packet of your variety. As they germinate and grow, thin your seedlings to the appropriate mature spacing distance - and be sure to eat your thinnings! Ensure your greens get at least an inch of water per week. Keeping your greens well-watered is going to be especially important as temperatures heat up so that you can extend your harvest as long as you can. 

Harvesting Greens

Greens can be eaten at any growing stage. For cut and come again harvesting, pull a few leaves at a time from the outside of your plants and all the main plants to continue to grow. When the plants are mature, you can cut the whole plant at the base with a sharp knife. If you leave the growing point intact, your greens will often resprout. For spring harvests, be sure to pick what you can before the heat makes your greens bitter and/or causes them to bolt.

Tatsoi, Brassica rapa
Pollination, insect; Life Cycle, annual; Isolation Distance, ½ mile

Tatsoi will not cross with other Brassicae besides Brassica rapa. The seed pods mature from the bottom upwards and shatter easily, so it's best to cut the whole plant just before maturity and hand to dry in a cool, dry place. When whole plant is crispy-dry, thresh the seeds and winnow to clean.