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Choy Sum Seeds, Purple or Chinese Flowering Cabbage
Description
(Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). Wildly gourmet flavor and vivid magenta stems make this Chinese green, also known as hon tsai tai, a favorite. The slim and crunchy stems are refreshing and especially well suited to fresh snacking as well as cooking. The contrast between crispy stems, soft and tender leaves, and spicy yellow blooms makes for a phenomenal culinary experience. A particularly cold-tolerant leafy green that is so well suited to fall and winter harvests. Plants reach 12-36 inches in height and can be harvested multiple times as a cut-and-come-again green.
- 50 days to maturity
- 4-6 Hours sun
- Sprouts in 10-14 days
- Ideal Temperature: 60-80 F
- Seed Depth: 1/4"
- Plant Spacing: 12"
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Purple choy sum thrives in cool weather. It's best grown in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. To ensure tender and flavorful growth, consistent moisture is key. High temperatures can cause the plant to bolt (flower prematurely), resulting in a bitter taste.
When to Grow
Purple choy sum is a cool-season crop that should be planted in early spring or late summer to fall. In regions with mild winters, it can be grown throughout the cooler months. Optimal growing temperatures range between 60 F to 80 F. For those in frost-prone areas, it's advisable to plant after the last frost in spring or in late summer for a fall harvest​.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow Purple choy sum seeds directly in the garden about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings once they have at least four true leaves and after the danger of frost has passed. Thinning is crucial, with a spacing of about 12 inches between plants to ensure room for proper growth.
How to Grow
Purple choy sum requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A well-balanced fertilizer or compost should be incorporated into the soil at planting to provide essential nutrients. The plant grows quickly, and you can start harvesting when it reaches about 6-12 inches in height. For continuous harvests, cut the plant just above the soil line, which encourages regrowth​.
How to Save
Like bok choy, Purple choy sum is an annual, completing its life cycle in one year. To avoid selecting bolt-prone plants, don't save seeds from prematurely bolted ones. Let plants mature fully, harvest the dried pods, crumble the small round seeds into a jar or bag, then seal and store the seeds in a cool, dark, dry place. Choy sum cross-pollinates with other rapa species but not with different species of Brassica, so it's safe to grow it next to mustard greens (Brassica juncea), for example. To ensure seed purity, isolate your bok choy from other blooming B. rapa by about a half mile or use caging techniques. Allow your healthiest plants to flower for a strong, diverse seed pool. This is particularly useful for gardeners looking to grow Purple choy sum in successive seasons​.
FAQ
Can Purple choy sum be grown in containers?
Yes, it can thrive in containers provided they are deep enough and have good drainage.
When can I harvest Purple choy sum?
It matures in about 50 days but can be harvested for baby greens earlier.
What are common pests and diseases for Purple choy sum?
The plants may face challenges from pests like aphids, slugs, and cabbage moths, so it's advisable to monitor them regularly.
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