Tatsoi
Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa
Tatsoi is a cold-hardy Asian leafy green that forms a low, dark-green rosette of spoon-shaped leaves. A fast-growing cool-season plant, it shrugs off frost.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Consistent moisture
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Tatsoi is an Asian leafy brassica closely related to bok choy, grown for its small, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. In cool weather it forms a flat, ground-hugging rosette.
Remarkably cold-tolerant, tatsoi can keep growing into freezing temperatures, making it a valuable late-fall and winter plant. It grows fast and is well suited to baby-leaf cutting and succession sowing.
How to identify it
A compact, dark green rosette of small rounded leaves.
- Leaves: Small, glossy, dark green, spoon- to paddle-shaped, with pale stalks
- Habit: Forms a low, flat, symmetrical rosette in cool weather (more upright in warmth)
- Stalks: Slim, crisp, white to pale green
- Flowers: Small yellow brassica blooms if it bolts in heat
- Size: Usually 6-10 in across
Care & growing
Light: Full sun in cool seasons; partial shade in warmer conditions.
Water: Keep evenly moist for tender, fast growth.
Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; pH 6.0-7.0.
Temperature: Very cold-hardy, tolerating frost and surviving into the low 20s F; bolts in summer heat.
Feeding: Light nitrogen feeding supports lush leaves.
Propagation: From seed sown directly; sow in succession in spring and fall for continuous growth.
Habitat & origin
Tatsoi originated in China and has long been grown across East Asia as a cool-season green. It is part of the diverse group of Brassica rapa leafy plants alongside bok choy and Chinese cabbage.
It thrives in cool temperate climates and is increasingly grown by market gardeners and home growers for fall, winter, and early-spring growing.
Frequently asked questions
How cold-hardy is tatsoi?
Very. Tatsoi tolerates frost and can survive temperatures into the low 20s F, especially under row cover, making it one of the best greens for late-fall and winter growing.
Is tatsoi the same as bok choy?
They are close relatives within the same species group, but tatsoi forms a flatter rosette of small spoon-shaped leaves and is more cold-hardy than typical bok choy.
How fast does tatsoi grow?
Baby rosettes can form in about 3 weeks and full rosettes in around 45 days, making it a quick, productive cool-season plant.
How do I identify tatsoi?
Look for a low, flat, symmetrical rosette of small, glossy, dark green spoon-shaped leaves on slim white to pale-green stalks.
Tatsoi guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Tatsoi.
