Whole plant
Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.
Brassicas
Chinese Broccoli / Gai Lan growing guide
Leafy-stem brassica grown for tender stems, leaves and flower buds. A staple Asian green for stir-fries and mild-season beds.
Photo reference
Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.
4-10 daysGermination
45-65 daysHarvest
25 cmSpacing
0.5 cmSow depth
Full/PartSun
HardyFrost
2.5 cm/weekWater
6-7.5pH
Planting calendar by climate
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| Climate | Sow | Transplant / Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Apr - Aug | Apr - Aug | May - Sep |
| Subtropical | Mar - Aug | Apr - Aug | May - Oct |
| Mediterranean | Mar - Sep | Apr - Sep | May - Nov |
| Temperate | Feb - Apr | Apr - Jun | May - Oct |
| Cool | Mar - May | May - Jul | Jun - Oct |
| Arid | Mar - May | Apr - Jun | May - Aug |
Botanical reference
Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Chinese Broccoli / Gai Lan should look like as it grows.
Leaf detail
Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.
Flower detail
Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.
Harvest / detail
Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.
Cooking and eating ideas
A quick garden-to-table guide for using Chinese Broccoli / Gai Lan after harvest.
Raw / fresh
Use young tender leaves fresh in salads, wraps, bowls, sandwiches, or as a garnish where suitable.
Cooked
Wilt, steam, stir-fry, braise, add to soups, fold into omelettes, or use in savoury bakes.
Store / preserve
Use fresh, blanch and freeze sturdy greens, ferment, or make herb-style pastes depending on the crop.
Try: Fresh salad, Garlic stir-fry, Soup greens, Wilted side.
Good companions
Onion, Dill, Lettuce
Avoid near
Strawberry
Growing note
Harvest stems just as flower buds form for the best texture.
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