How to Grow Tat Soi
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Tat Soi
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
vegetableTat soi is a leafy Asian green with spoon-shaped leaves that form a dense rosette, creating a distinctive flat-topped appearance. Also called spoon mustard or tat choy, it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with tender stems and leaves. This fast-growing brassica is prized in Asian cuisine and works well both in cool-season gardens and as a microgreen.
When should you plant Tat Soi in your zone?
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Example Tat Soi timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tat Soi
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 Tat Soi
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tat Soi dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall)
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Get my Tat Soi timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 5-10 days with cotyledons appearing first, followed by the first true leaves which show the distinctive spoon shape.
Keep soil moist and warm (60-70°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple spoon-shaped leaves in a dense rosette formation. Leaves are dark green, waxy, and increasingly tender.
Water consistently and maintain soil moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 2 weeks. Monitor for pests daily. Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
Mature Rosette
1-2 weeksPlant reaches full size with tightly-packed spoon leaves forming a compact, flat-topped mound 6-10 inches tall. Leaves are plump and tender.
Continue consistent watering. Harvest outer leaves or entire plant at this stage. Avoid splitting by preventing sudden temperature fluctuations or soil moisture swings.
Bolting (Optional)
Variable; avoid in cool-season gardensIf left unharvested or in warm conditions, plant sends up a flowering stem with small yellow flowers.
Harvest immediately if bolting occurs for best flavor. Bolted leaves become bitter and tough. Allow bolting only if collecting seeds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; trap crops like radishes; reflective mulches
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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; row covers; hand-picking; neem oil; crop rotation
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; beer traps; copper tape barriers; crushed eggshells; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian dishes
CulinaryTat soi is a staple in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cooking. The tender leaves and crunchy stems add texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor to stir-fries, soups, and rice dishes. [source]
Raw salads & garnish
CulinaryYoung, tender tat soi leaves make an excellent raw salad component with a delicate flavor. The attractive spoon-shaped leaves also serve as an elegant garnish. [source]
Microgreens
CulinaryTat soi is increasingly popular as a microgreen crop, ready to harvest in 7-14 days with concentrated nutrition and attractive appearance. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalLike other brassicas, tat soi contains glucosinolates, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron. Traditional use in Asian medicine for detoxification. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, tat soi's small yellow blooms provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, supporting beneficial insect populations. [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 at 45-60 days when leaves are tender and plant reaches 6-8 inches tall. Cut entire plant at soil level with a sharp knife, or pinch off outer leaves for continued harvests over 2-3 weeks. Morning harvest (after dew dries) provides peak crispness and flavor. Best flavor in cool weather; harvest before bolting or temperatures exceed 75°F.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tat soi means 'big head' in Cantonese, referring to its compact, dense rosette formation that resembles a head of lettuce.
- 🌱 Tat soi can be planted nearly year-round in mild climates and is one of the fastest-maturing Asian greens, making it ideal for succession planting every 2-3 weeks.
- 🌱 In Chinese traditional medicine, tat soi is believed to have cooling properties and is used to balance the body's heat; it's often prescribed during hot seasons.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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