Get Growing With Tatsoi 8 Easy Tips

Written by Lars Nyman on

September 19, 2024

Growing Tatsoi

If you're looking for a nutritious, easy to grow leafy green that also adds an exotic touch to your plots, then Tatsoi might be the perfect option. With a rich flavour and versatile uses, it'll be a real hit in your garden. Here are 8 simple tips to get you started!

No items found.

Cheatsheet: Growing Tatsoi Tips

1. Optimal Growing Conditions

Sun: Full sun to partial shade ☀️

Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter 🌱

Water: Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged 💧

2. Planting Guidelines

Spacing: 6-8 inches apart to allow proper growth 📏

Timing: Sow directly in spring or fall for best results ⏰

Depth: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep for optimal germination 🌱

3. Fertilization Tips

Nutrients: Provide balanced fertilizer or compost for healthy growth 💪

Feeding: Apply every 4-6 weeks during growing season 🌱

Amount: Follow package instructions for proper dosage 📦

4. Pests and Diseases

Common pests: Aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms 🐛

Preventive measures: Use row covers or organic insecticides 🌿

Disease prevention: Rotate crops and maintain proper air circulation 💨

5. Harvesting Techniques

Timing: Harvest outer leaves when 6-8 inches long for continuous growth ⏳

Method: Cut leaves near the base to allow regrowth 🌿

Yield: Each plant can produce up to 2 pounds of greens 🌱

6. Health Benefits

Nutrition facts: High in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium 🥦

Antioxidants: Promote heart health and reduce inflammation ❤️

Boosts immunity: Supports healthy immune system function 🛡️

7. Creative Culinary Uses

Flavor profile: Mild, sweet, and slightly nutty taste 😋

Recipes: Great in salads, stir-fries, sautés, and soups 🍲

Stems and flowers: Edible and add texture to dishes 🌸

8. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

Compact growth: Ideal for small gardens or container planting 🌱

Year-round supply: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing 🌞

Easy to save seeds: Allow a few plants to bolt and harvest seeds for future use 🌱

Get Growing With Tatsoi: 8 Easy Tips

1. Choose the Right Variety

Tatsoi, often called "spinach mustard," offers several varieties. My personal favorite is the "Rosette" type. It's compact and great for small spaces.

There are also broader-leaf types that are fantastic for soups and stir-fries.

2. Perfect Planting Timing

Tatsoi thrives in cooler weather. I usually plant mine in early spring or fall.

One year, I planted it too late in the summer, and the poor plants bolted in no time.

3. Soil Preparation

This leafy green loves well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost to enrich the soil.

I mix in some aged manure for an extra nutrient boost. Tatsoi responds beautifully to it.

4. Sowing Seeds

Direct sowing is the way to go. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1 inch apart.

I like to thin them out to about 6 inches apart once they get a few true leaves.

5. Watering Wisely

Tatsoi needs consistent moisture. However, be careful not to overwater. Well-drained soil helps avoid soggy roots.

I use a soaker hose to keep the soil evenly moist without wetting the leaves too much.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Aphids and flea beetles love Tatsoi as much as we do. Regularly check the undersides of the leaves.

Neem oil spray can work wonders if pests become an issue. It’s saved my Tatsoi crop more than once.

7. Harvesting Tips

You can harvest Tatsoi leaves as a cut-and-come-again crop, or pick the whole rosette.

I find the leaves are most tender and flavorful when harvested young. Approximately 45 days after planting, they are just right.

8. Storage and Use

Store freshly harvested Tatsoi in the refrigerator. It stays crisp for about a week.

Personally, I love it in salads, but it's fantastic in soups and stir-fries too. Tatsoi adds a perfect touch of mild mustard flavor.

Did you know? Tatsoi is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.

There you have it! Eight easy tips that should set you on the path to successfully growing Tatsoi. Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I grow Tatsoi?

Tatsoi can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight.

2. When should I plant Tatsoi seeds?

Tatsoi seeds should be planted in early spring or late summer for best results. The ideal soil temperature for germination is around 45-75°F.

3. How often should I water Tatsoi?

Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water Tatsoi plants every 2-3 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

4. Are there any specific fertilizer requirements for Tatsoi?

Tatsoi benefits from a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied at planting time. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for best results. Avoid over-fertilization.

5. How long does it take for Tatsoi to mature?

Tatsoi typically reaches maturity in 30-45 days after planting. Harvest the outer leaves as needed for a continuous harvest.

6. Can I grow Tatsoi indoors?

Yes, you can grow Tatsoi indoors, especially during the winter months. Use a grow light to provide sufficient light and maintain a temperature of 60-75°F.

7. How do I harvest Tatsoi?

Harvest Tatsoi by cutting the outer leaves with a clean knife or scissors, leaving the center intact for future growth. Wash the leaves thoroughly before consuming.

8. Are there any common pests or diseases that affect Tatsoi?

Common pests include flea beetles and aphids. Use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap to manage them. Tatsoi is generally resistant to diseases.

Growing Tatsoi offers huge benefits to you and your garden. Not only is it easy to grow, but it's incredibly healthy and delicious too! You'll get to enjoy its crunchy texture and savory flavor, along with the added bonus of added nutrients in your diet. So why wait? Get growing now and experience the flavor and health benefits of Tatsoi!

More from the Taim.io Plants Library

Growing Broccoflowers In Your Garden

Broccoflowers are a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower, and have a light green colour. They have a delicate, mild taste and crunchy texture that make for an interesting inclusion in any meal. Unlike broccoli and cauliflower, Broccoflowers can be eaten will raw and enjoyed in salads, or cooked in a variety of ways.

How Do You Plant Stevia?

Looking to sweeten up your garden? Incorporating Stevia, a natural and wholesome sweetener, into your garden is an excellent choice. With our guide to planting Stevia, your gardening arsenal gains a versatile new addition. Stevia is a herbaceous perennial plant native to South America that produces sweet-tasting leaves, making it the perfect addition to herb gardens, particularly for those desiring a sugar substitute. In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right location for planting Stevia to its proper care ensuring a rich, green and luscious yield. Learning how to plant Stevia is simpler than you might think, so read on, and let's start your sweet gardening journey together.

A Beginners Guide To Growing Turmeric

Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to enjoy the benefits of natural flavors without the hassle of purchasing them from a store. But what if you’ve never grown herbs or spices before? Well, you’re in luck! Growing your own herbs and spices is not only easy but it will save you money as well. To grow turmeric, you need to start with a good soil mix that also drains quickly. You can purchase special soil mix for this purpose, which is typically mixed with compost and other amendments, but there are plenty of free options out there as well. The most important thing is to have good soil drainage so excess water doesn’t build up against your garden bed walls. If waterlogged soil is an issue, consider growing the vegetable in pots instead until drainage improves. In this article we’ll go over everything you need to know about growing turmeric at home. We’ll discuss how much space you will need, how much time it will take to grow turmeric from seed and tips for successful germination as well as growing once mature plant has reached maturity size.

How To Grow Basil From Seed

Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, is a popular culinary herb widely used for flavoring dishes in many cuisines around the world. It belongs to the mint family and has a pleasant aroma and a slightly sweet and spicy taste. Basil leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, such as pasta sauces, soups, salads, and pizzas. Apart from its culinary uses, basil is also known for its medicinal properties, as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that are beneficial for health. Moreover, basil is easy to grow and can be cultivated indoors or outdoors in warm climates. It requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive. Overall, basil is a versatile herb that not only adds flavor to our dishes but also offers numerous health benefits.

How To Grow Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a type of legume, also known as "common beans", that come in many varieties and are a popular ingredient used in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have an earthy and nutty flavor, and can be used in both cold and hot recipes, such as salads, stews, soups, and chili.

Growing Squash: How To Fostering A Healthy Garden

Squash is a warm-season vegetable plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes other plants such as cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins. It is a highly versatile and nutritious vegetable that comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Squash is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. There are two main types of squash: summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash, which includes varieties such as zucchini and yellow squash, has a soft, edible skin and is harvested when it is still immature. Winter squash, such as butternut and acorn squash, has a hard outer skin and is harvested when it is fully matured. Squash plants are easy to grow, making them a popular choice among home gardeners.

view all plants

Find out which plants will thrive in your garden!

Answer a few fun questions and get custom plant recommendations perfect for your space. Let’s grow something amazing together!