Tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa, syn. Brassica narinosa or Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis var. rosularis) is a close relative of pak choi, Chinese cabbage, kai-lan and turnip, from the cabbage genus (Brassica).
It has also been given the name rosette pak choi or rosette bok choi because of the rosette-like arrangement of the leaves. Tatsoi is also known as spoon mustard or leaf mustard because of its small, spoon-shaped leaves.

Tatsoi is a biennial herbaceous plant. It forms a taproot. The leaves are densely arranged in a basal rosette about 20 centimeters high. The spoon-shaped leaf blade is dark green and ribbed white. The four-petaled yellow flowers are about 1.5 cm in diameter. In the second year, an inflorescence up to 1 meter high develops. The oil from the seeds can be poisonous in some subspecies, as it can contain high levels of erucic acid. However, modern cultivars are usually free of it.
Tatsoi was originally cultivated as an annual plant from the warm-temperate regions of China to the tropics. However, Tatsoi still grows in regions with cold seasons at temperatures down to -10 degrees. Due to its cold tolerance, Tatsoi is also suitable for cultivation in winter in unheated greenhouses. The plant requires a sunny or semi-shady location protected from the wind and loose soil. The harvest time in the temperate zones of China is usually in January and February, while the flowering time is in March. When grown in a greenhouse, the plant can also be harvested all year round. If the sowing period for greenhouse cultivation is between April and August, harvesting can take place between August and October. The harvest period usually lasts between 40 and 50 days. With so-called dwarf tatsoi, it takes around 20-25 days until the vegetables are ready to harvest.

Tatsoi

Seed packet

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Description

Growing tips

Details

Companion Plants

Antagonistic Plants

Diseases

Pests