Brassica rapa var. narinosa

Sowing and care guidance

Brassica rapa var. narinosa seeds thrive in full sun to partial shade and fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Sow when soil is workable in cool conditions, avoiding hot spells; make a second sowing after peak summer heat for an autumn harvest. In mild climates, autumn to winter sowing is possible with protection. Drill shallow rows or broadcast for baby leaf, keep the seedbed evenly moist, and thin promptly to form low, compact rosettes. Space more generously for mature plants. Water steadily in dry weather, mulch to conserve moisture, and provide light shade if heat threatens bolting. Fine mesh helps exclude common brassica pests. Harvest outer leaves regularly or lift whole plants when ready.

• Sow when soil is workable in cool conditions; avoid hot spells; resow after peak summer heat; in mild climates, autumn–winter sowing with protection.
• Prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
• Sow shallowly and keep the seedbed evenly moist; avoid waterlogging.
• Space to allow rosettes to form; closer for baby leaf, wider for mature plants.
• Edible leaves; harvest at baby or mature size.
• Adapts well to containers; use a deep, fertile mix and maintain consistent moisture.

When should I sow tatsoi (Brassica rapa var. narinosa) seeds?

Sow tatsoi after the last frost when soil is workable and daytime conditions are cool; it is a cool-season Asian green that prefers steady, mild temperatures. Avoid hot spells to reduce bolting. For an autumn harvest, resume sowing once peak summer heat has passed; in mild climates, autumn to winter sowing is possible with protection such as fleece or a cold frame. For a continuous supply, use succession sowing every 2–3 weeks until sustained heat or deep cold arrives. Light frost protection extends both spring and autumn windows.

How do I grow tatsoi from seed successfully?

Sow Brassica rapa var. narinosa seeds 5–10 mm deep in rows or blocks and keep the seedbed evenly moist; germination is rapid in cool conditions. Thin seedlings promptly to your target spacing (use thinnings as baby greens). Maintain consistent moisture and avoid letting plants dry out, which can trigger bolting. A light mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps leaves clean. Insect netting or floating covers can shield young plants in high-pressure periods. Harvest baby leaves in about 3–4 weeks, or full rosettes in roughly 6–8 weeks, depending on temperature and spacing.

What sun and soil conditions does tatsoi prefer?

Tatsoi thrives in full sun to partial shade; in warmer periods, partial shade helps keep plants cool and productive. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Work in plenty of mature compost before sowing or transplanting, and aim for a fine, friable tilth for quick, even emergence. Keep moisture steady—drying cycles can stress plants and encourage early flowering. Raised beds or well-prepared garden soil both work, provided drainage is good while still holding moisture. Avoid waterlogging, and consider light mulching to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.

What spacing should I use for tatsoi plants?

Space according to your intended harvest. For baby leaf, either broadcast densely or sow in lines and thin to about 2.5–5 cm between plants. For mini rosettes, space plants roughly 10–15 cm apart. For full-sized, compact rosettes, allow about 20–25 cm between plants, with 25–30 cm between rows. Tatsoi forms a low, compact rosette, typically around 10–20 cm tall and up to 20–30 cm across, so provide enough room for leaves to spread. Use early thinnings in the kitchen and leave the best-spaced plants to mature.

Can tatsoi be grown in containers?

Yes—tatsoi performs well in containers due to its compact rosette habit. Use a wide container with at least 15–20 cm depth and good drainage; a fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained potting mix is ideal. For baby leaf, window boxes work well with dense sowing and regular cutting. For mature rosettes, allow roughly 5–10 litres of volume per plant and space as in beds. Keep soil consistently moist, especially in warm, breezy conditions. Position in full sun to partial shade, shifting to more shade during heat waves. Refresh nutrients periodically for sustained growth.

How can I protect tatsoi from heat?

Heat management hinges on timing, shade, and moisture. Avoid sowing during hot spells, and resume sowing after peak heat for reliable autumn harvests. Provide partial shade or 30–40% shade cloth during warm periods, and mulch to keep root zones cool. Water early in the day to maintain even soil moisture without waterlogging. Crowding increases heat stress, so thin to recommended spacing. Lightweight insect netting can slightly moderate temperature while excluding pests. Harvest promptly—baby leaf stays tender in warm weather, whereas waiting for full rosettes during heat increases bolting risk.

Growing guidance on this site is general, compiled from supplier data and established horticultural references. Conditions such as microclimate, soil structure, drainage, exposure, and seasonal weather can affect timing and results, so adjust practices to local conditions (e.g., sow after last frost or when soil is workable). Product pages provide the most precise, variety-specific directions, including sowing depth, spacing, and timing, and reflect the latest instructions for each item.

Cultivation notes for compact leafy rosettes

Appreciated for its glossy, spoon-shaped leaves and compact rosettes, this cool-season brassica thrives in moderate temperatures. Sow directly when soil is workable after last frost, or start under cover for transplanting once seedlings have 3–4 true leaves. For baby leaf, broadcast or space 5–10 cm apart; for full heads, thin to 15–20 cm, with rows 25–30 cm apart. Cover seeds 5–10 mm deep, keep evenly moist, and aim for steady growth. Germination is reliable in 10–25°C. Provide 4–6 hours of sun in warmer periods or more light in cool, low-sun conditions. Rich, well-drained soil with added compost supports tender growth. Mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Floating protection or mesh can deter common pests; encourage airflow to reduce leaf issues. Harvest outer leaves continuously or cut whole rosettes at 10–20 cm across. In mild climates, late summer to autumn sowings may overwinter with protection; avoid heat stress by providing light shade during hot spells.