perennial

Tatsoi

Brassica rapa 'Tatsoi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tatsoi is a leafy vegetable with a unique rosette shape, often used in salads and stir-fries.

Tatsoi has a mild flavor and is known for its cold-hardiness.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright green, rounded leaves add visual interest to vegetable gardens.
Practical UsesFast-growing leafy green ideal for salads and stir-fries.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist and maintain 45-75°F temperatures.
  3. Germination occurs in 4-7 days; thin seedlings to 4 inches apart.
  4. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist throughout growth.
  5. Thin plants when they are 2 inches tall to promote healthy growth.
  6. Harvest leaves when they reach 4-6 inches for tender flavor.

Pro Tip

Use succession planting every 2 weeks for continuous harvests.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
  • Use organic compost to enrich soil

Don't

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
  • Don’t overcrowd plants to prevent disease
  • Refrain from using synthetic pesticides

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible green borderHerbaceous vegetable patchCompact leafy accent plant

Companion Plants

Carrots Celery Beets Onions Potatoes

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tatsoi questions

What zones can Tatsoi grow in?

Tatsoi is hardy in USDA Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tatsoi deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tatsoi, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tatsoi bloom?

Tatsoi typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tatsoi need full sun?

Tatsoi does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Tatsoi with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.