How to Grow Tatsoi in Australia
A cool-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Tatsoi at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week, specialty green rarely found outside Asian grocers.
This guide covers when to plant Tatsoi in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Tatsoi is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Tatsoi part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 7 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Flat rosette of dark spoon-shaped leaves. Fast, cut-and-come-again. Great in stir fries and salads.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Cabbage moth and Flea beetle. The main diseases to watch are Downy mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Tatsoi is typically ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 4 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, tatsoi is good used fresh in Asian salads, stir-fried with garlic and sesame oil, added to miso soup and ramen and wilted into fried rice. Nutritionally: good source of vitamins A, C and K and contains calcium and iron.
Companion Planting
Tatsoi grows well alongside Carrot and Onion. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Tatsoi Growing
Add tatsoi to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Australia?
Tatsoi is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Tatsoi take to grow?
Tatsoi is generally ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks.
Can I grow Tatsoi in a pot?
Yes. Tatsoi grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Tatsoi need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Tatsoi in the Plant Library
