Chinese Broccoli Seeds - Wan Shen

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Other Common Names: Chinese broccoli, Chinese kale, white-flowering broccoli, gai lan, jie lan, kaai laan tsoi, kailan, or kairan.

How to Grow Wan Shen Chinese Broccoli

Sow seeds in spring after the last frost to early summer or late summer to early fall. Sow seeds in late spring to fall season (cool areas); they can be planted yearly around subtropical zones; plan on using fertilizer or compost. Minimize problems by never letting the soil fully dry; mulch at the time of planting to reduce rotting and improve soil moisture.

This variety of brassica has shallow roots and requires frequent but light irrigations. If your Chinese broccoli starts to grow stringy, the soil may not be sufficiently fertile or moisture retentive. In high wind areas, mound up soil around the base of the plants to protect the roots from sun and pests. Don’t plant brassicas in the same spot more often than every 6th year.

Harvesting Wan Shen Chinese Broccoli

Harvest the main stalk when about 8-10 inches tall and when 2-3 flowers are about to open. After this cut, the plant branches freely for an extended harvest, but the stems and leaves will be smaller. Light fertilization after each cut promotes plant vitality throughout the season.

Culinary Tips

Stir-fry the stalks, leaves and buds with garlic, a little sugar and some rice wine or boil and dress with oyster sauce. Wan Shen can also be cooked like choy sum.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“I recommend companion planting Chinese broccoli with edamame. They have different nutrient requirements and thus are mutually beneficial!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 3 g packet - Approximately 810 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,550 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,800 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 604,000 Seeds