How to Grow Chinese Kale
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Chinese Kale
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
vegetableChinese kale, also known as gai lan or Chinese broccoli, is a leafy green cruciferous vegetable with thick, tender stalks and small florets. It has a slightly sweet, mild flavor and is a staple in Asian cuisine. The entire plant—stalks, leaves, and florets—is edible and nutritious.
When should you plant Chinese Kale in your zone?
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Example Chinese Kale timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chinese Kale
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chinese Kale
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Kale dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-10 with season adjustment
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Seedling
7-10 daysTiny leaves emerge from soil; plant has 2-4 true leaves and minimal root system
Maintain consistent moisture and keep soil warm (65-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative
20-30 daysPlant develops 6-10 true leaves and thickens; stalks begin to elongate but no flower buds appear
Water regularly and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Weed regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Keep soil temperature between 60-75°F for best growth.
Stalk & Floret Development
10-15 daysCentral stalk thickens and becomes more prominent; small leafy side shoots and flower buds form
Increase watering frequency. Apply higher nitrogen fertilizer or side-dress with compost. Monitor for pests. Ensure adequate sunlight for stalk strength.
Flowering
3-7 days (best harvested before full bloom)Small yellow flowers bloom on tight florets at the tip of the central stalk and side shoots
Harvest before or just as flowers open for best texture and flavor. If flowers fully open, the plant becomes less tender and flavor changes.
Senescence
Variable; begins 45-60 days after plantingFlowers fully bloom and fade; plant bolts and becomes woody and fibrous; quality declines
Harvest immediately if not done earlier. Remove plant and replant for succession crop if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; handpick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Use row covers on seedlings; apply diatomaceous earth; use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil if needed
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves
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Maintain soil pH above 6.5; practice crop rotation (3-year minimum); remove infected plants; avoid contaminated soil and tools
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian cuisine
CulinaryChinese kale is prized in Asian cooking, especially Cantonese cuisine, for its tender stalks and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is commonly stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce or added to soups and noodle dishes. [source]
Nutritious greens
CulinaryRich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, Chinese kale is an excellent addition to salads, smoothies, and cooked vegetable dishes. The entire plant is edible and highly nutritious. [source]
Glucosinolates & cancer prevention
MedicinalLike other Brassica vegetables, Chinese kale contains glucosinolates that break down into isothiocyanates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional and modern medicine. [source]
Easy succession planting
HouseholdChinese kale's short 45-60 day maturity makes it ideal for succession planting throughout the growing season, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh harvests multiple times per year with staggered plantings. [source]
Pollinator & beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, Chinese kale's small yellow blooms attract bees and other pollinators, as well as parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects that control garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in the morning when stalks are most turgid and crisp. Cut the central stem 1-2 inches above soil level just as flower buds appear or when small yellow flowers just begin to open—this is when flavor and tenderness are optimal. Side shoots will continue to sprout after main harvest, providing secondary harvests for 2-4 weeks. Harvest entire plant at soil level if preferred, or cut individual stalks. Do not let flowers fully bloom before harvesting, as the plant becomes woody and bitter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese kale is also called 'gai lan' in Cantonese and is sometimes confused with broccoli rabe (rapini), though it is a distinct variety with thicker, more tender stalks and a milder flavor.
- 🌱 Unlike broccoli, which develops one large central head, Chinese kale produces multiple tender side shoots after the main stalk is harvested, allowing for an extended harvest period from a single plant.
- 🌱 Chinese kale thrives in cool-to-moderate temperatures and is often grown as a spring or fall crop in warm climates, or as a summer crop in cooler regions—it is quite heat-tolerant compared to other brassicas.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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