Tatsoi growth stages

This is the first installment in a series about my experience growing Asian vegetables. You can find the other articles by clicking on the “Growing Asian Vegetables” tag at the bottom of this post.

My first encounter with tatsoi came at the Kauai farmers market in 2008, when my wife and I were in Hawaii on our honeymoon. We were staying at a condo with a full kitchen and eating many of our meals there, so we traveled to the popular farmer’s market at Hanalei to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables. One grower had bags of organically grown tatsoi that looked appealing, so we bought some. We cooked it for a side dish by briefly sauteing it with a little garlic and mushrooms, and he really liked it.

Care

A close up shot of the center of tatsoi roses. Source: jnatali

This plant is easy to care for. Meet tatsoi’s basic needs and maintain a healthy and long harvest.

Step by Step Guide to Growing Tatsoi in Pots/Containers

Guide to Growing Tatsoi in Pots (Image Credit: pixabay)

Tatsoi, also known as mustard spinach too, it’s a delicious leafy green that you can easily grow in pots or in your garden. If you are just starting out in gardening, tatsoi is great because it grows very quickly and is not very fussy. The greens offer cool weather, so sow your seeds in spring for an early summer plant and again in late summer to enjoy a fall harvest.

Water and Moisture

These plants like generous amounts of water, up to 1 inch per week. Keep soil moist, but not drenched. Water tatsoi plants daily in the morning before ultraviolet rays are at their peak. Water at this time prevents soil temperature from overheating, which damages cold-loving Asian greens.

Since all brassicas are prone to mildews, use a soot hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plant for root absorption. Avoid wetting the leaves if possible. Watering may not be necessary if there has been recent heavy rain or white snow.

The Best Time to Grow Tatsoi Plants

Tatsoi plants grow well during the cooler months. Tatsoi plants can thrive well even in very cool weather and can be harvested from snowfall.

• Sow seeds in spring or fall when the temperature level is 15–24°C. The Tatsoi plant is a cool weather crop that does not do well in heat, but can withstand a light frost. Sow the seeds in spring for a late spring or early summer crop and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
• The Tatsoi plant grows so easily from seed; you don’t need to buy seedlings or transplants from a nursery.
• Tatsoi greens are fast growers. Mature Tatsoi plants are ready to harvest 45 days after planting seeds.
• Choose a location that receives 6 hours of sunlight each day. The Tatsoi plant thrives in full bloom, so plant seeds in a location that receives 5-6 hours of sunlight each day to ensure an ample harvest. They will take partial shade, if necessary.
• The Tatsoi plant likes cool weather, but may suffer from spring frosts, so consider starting seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost and then transplanting outdoors.
• Thin the plants to at least 6 inches apart when they are 2 to 4 inches tall. Water 1 inch per week and then add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
• The Tatsoi plant grows well in containers. If you are growing Tatsoi in a container, place it in a warm and sunny window.
• If you are growing Tatsoi outside, look for a location that receives shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Water your Tatsoi plant with 1 inch of water every week. A 2- to 3-inch layer of hardwood mulch will help with water retention and regulate soil temperature levels.