Tatsoi
Brassica rapa var. rosularis
vegetableTatsoi is a compact Asian mustard green (Brassica rapa var. rosularis) that forms a low, flat rosette of small, dark-green, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves on crisp pale stems. The flavor is mild and sweet with only a faint mustardy note, good raw in salad mixes and quickly wilted into soups and stir-fries. It is one of the most cold-hardy greens in the garden, standing up to hard frost and even harvestable from beneath snow, which makes it a standout fall and winter crop. Baby leaves are ready in about three weeks and full rosettes in around 45 days.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 2 days
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Harvest
~45 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
4-6 in (leaf) or 10-12 in (full plant)
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Planting Depth
1/4 in
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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 if growing full plants
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer at low rate; compost amendment preferred
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost, or start fall plantings 4 to 6 weeks before the first fall frost; tatsoi is at its best in cool weather and very cold-hardy, but it bolts in summer heat and long days. Sow shallowly and thin to 4 to 6 inches for cut-and-come-again leaves or 10 to 12 inches for full rosettes. Keep the soil evenly moist for fast, tender growth, and use floating row cover against flea beetles. Tatsoi tolerates hard frost and sweetens after a light freeze; for a continuous harvest, sow every 3 weeks.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →spring planting
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Direct sow
Apr 1
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Projected first harvest
May 16
fall planting
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Direct sow
Aug 25
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Projected first harvest
Oct 9
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Carrot — Compatible cool-season companion; efficient use of bed space
- Onion — Aromatic deterrence of aphids and root flies near tatsoi
- Radish — Fast-maturing companion that marks rows and deters flea beetles
- Spinach — Similar cool-season requirements; complementary leaf textures in salad blends
❌ 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; interplant with repellent alliums
Bt spray at early caterpillar stage; row cover; inspect undersides of leaves weekly
Water blast; insecticidal soap; companion alliums
Diatomaceous earth; beer traps; handpick at night
🌾 Harvest & storage
For baby leaf: harvest at 2 to 3 inches, about 21 days after sowing. For full plants: harvest outer leaves when 4 to 6 inches, or cut entire plants 1 inch above soil for regrowth. Flavor is best before the plant bolts to flower. Once flower stalks appear, the leaves become more peppery and tough. Refrigerate and use within 5 days.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and folate. Contains glucosinolates — the cancer-protective compounds found in all brassicas. Very low in calories. One of the highest-calcium vegetables 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.