Chinese Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
vegetableChinese broccoli — a thick-stemmed brassica with small white flowers and flat, blue-green leaves that is a staple of Cantonese and Chinese-American cooking. The entire plant is edible: stems, leaves, and flower buds. Flavor is slightly more bitter than Italian broccoli with a pleasantly robust character. Excellent stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce.
☀️
Sun
full sun
💧
Water
Every 2 days
🌾
Harvest
~50 days
📊
Difficulty
easy
🌱
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
↔️
Spacing
8-10 in
⬇️
Planting Depth
1/4 in
🧪
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light balanced fertilizer at planting; one nitrogen side-dress at 3 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced granular fertilizer; moderate nitrogen for rapid leafy growth
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before last frost, or start a fall crop in late summer. Chinese broccoli is extremely fast-growing — ready in 45 to 60 days from seed. More heat-tolerant than standard broccoli but still best in cool weather. Harvest before flowers fully open for best texture. Can make 2 to 3 sowings per season in most climates.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →spring planting
🌿
Direct sow
Apr 1
🌾
Projected first harvest
May 21
fall planting
🌿
Direct sow
Aug 18
🌾
Projected first harvest
Oct 7
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Onion — Deters cabbage moth and aphids from nearby brassicas
- Dill — Attracts beneficial wasps that parasitize cabbage worms
- Nasturtium — Aphid trap crop and pollinator attractor at the bed border
- Garlic — Deters aphids and cabbage moths in brassica beds
❌ Keep away from
StrawberryTomato
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover from sowing; diatomaceous earth; succession-sow to replace damaged plantings
Row cover; Bt spray; inspect weekly for eggs on undersides of leaves
Water blast; insecticidal soap; allium companions
Ensure airflow; avoid overhead watering; copper spray if needed
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest when flower buds are tightly closed and the main stem is 8 to 12 inches tall. Cut the central stem just above the lowest leaf, leaving enough plant for side shoots to develop. Side shoots will continue producing for 2 to 4 weeks after the main harvest. Use immediately — Chinese broccoli wilts faster than Italian broccoli. Refrigerate and use within 3 to 5 days.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Outstanding source of vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and folate. Exceptionally high in calcium compared to most vegetables — comparable to dairy on a calorie-for-calorie basis. Contains glucosinolates with cancer-protective properties. One of the most nutrient-dense brassicas available.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.