How to grow Gai Lan in Australia
Grow gai lan in full sun to part shade in rich, moist, free-draining soil, treating it like other leafy brassicas. Water consistently for tender stems and feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 25 cm
- Time to harvest: 55 days
- Time to germinate: 7 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Sow Mar to Sep. Prefers cool season; bolt-resistant in Melbourne winter. Extend vs SEQ. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | Mediterranean: sow Mar to Sept. Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli) prefers cool weather; avoid summer. |
| Perth & WA | March to September | Mediterranean: sow Mar to Sept. Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli) prefers cool weather; avoid summer. |
| Tasmania | August to March | Sow Aug to Mar. Late summer sowings give the best autumn crops. |
| Canberra & ACT | February to April, September and October | Sow Feb to Apr for autumn harvest, or Sep to Oct for spring. Winter soil too cold for germination. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Gai lan is cool-season brassica; sow in dry months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Gai lan is cool-season brassica; sow in dry months. |
Varieties
- Kailaan (White Flower)
- Green Lance F1
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut the main stem when buds are tight and the first flowers just show, taking about a hand length. Cutting above a leaf prompts side shoots for repeat picking.
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 4 days.