Tatsoi
$4.95
Brassica Rapa var Rosularis
- Seed Count 2000
- Long Harvest Period
- Biennial
In stock
Description
Tatsoi is immediately recognisable by its non hearting habit and its distinctive spoon shaped leaves. The colour is a deep emerald green, rich and healthy looking, with gentle veining and the leaves are naturally convex, cupping slightly as they grow, which gives the plant a layered, almost sculptural quality when viewed from above. As the leaves develop, they form a low growing rosette that spreads outward rather than upward, arranging itself into wide, symmetrical circles.
Tatsoi truly shines in its eating qualities. The leaves are tender, even when they reach a generous size, and the texture remains soft without becoming limp. When harvested young, the leaves have a pleasant crunch that adds interest to fresh dishes, while still being delicate enough to eat raw without any bitterness. The raw leaves offer a mild mustard note that is gentle rather than sharp and it works well with other ingredients, enhancing salads without overpowering them and mixing easily with dressings, citrus, nuts and cheeses. When cooked, the mustard edge softens, the leaves wilt down beautifully and the sweetness deepens, developing a warm, earthy flavour often compared to spinach, though with more character and body.
Nutritionally, Tatsoi fits comfortably among the leafy greens valued for their contribution to a balanced diet. Like many members of the brassica family, it offers a range of vitamins and minerals while remaining light and easy to digest. Its tender texture makes it accessible to a wide range of eaters, including those who may shy away from tougher or more pungent greens.
In an Australian context, Tatsoi fits neatly into the broader appreciation for Asian greens that has grown steadily over time. Its adaptability in the kitchen and its approachable flavour make it a bridge between familiar greens like spinach and it offers something slightly different without being intimidating.
| Method: Sow direct | Soil Temp: 8°C - 30°C |
| Cool Mountain: Sep - Feb | Position: Full sun |
| Arid: Sep - Mar | Row Spacing: 30cm |
| Temperate: Sep - May | Planting Depth: 6mm |
| Sub Tropical: Mar - Sep | Harvest: 45 Days |
| Tropical: Apr - Aug | Plant Height: 40cm |
🌱 Sowing Tatsoi from Seed
Seed Pre Treatment
Good news here. Tatsoi seeds do not require any pre treatment. They germinate readily and reliably when fresh.
Just sow them straight from the packet and let them do their thing.
Sowing in Trays
Raising tatsoi in trays is a great option if you want neat spacing, stronger seedlings, or are dealing with pests like slugs and snails.
- Use a good quality seed raising mix
- Sow seeds about 5 mm deep
- Space seeds a couple of centimetres apart
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
Seeds usually germinate within 4 to 7 days. Once seedlings have two to three true leaves, they are ready to transplant.
Transplant gently, as brassica roots do not like rough handling. Water them in well and provide a bit of shade for the first day or two.
Direct Sowing
Direct sowing works beautifully for tatsoi, especially if you want a continuous patch to harvest baby leaves from.
- Prepare a fine, crumbly seed bed
- Sow seeds thinly in rows or small clusters
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently
Thin seedlings early. Crowded plants tend to stretch and bolt faster. Thinnings are edible, so nothing goes to waste.
🌿 Soil Preparation and Position
Soil
Tatsoi loves rich, well drained soil.
- Add compost or well rotted manure before planting
- Soil should hold moisture without becoming waterlogged
- A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal
Healthy soil equals sweeter, more tender leaves.
Position
- Full sun to part shade
- Morning sun with afternoon shade works well in warmer areas
- Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues
In winter, full sun will give you the fastest growth.
💧 Care and Maintenance
Tatsoi is low maintenance, but consistency makes all the difference.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Feed lightly with liquid seaweed or compost tea every couple of weeks
Stress from dry soil is one of the biggest causes of bitterness and bolting, so steady watering is key.
🌼 Companion Planting for Tatsoi
Tatsoi plays nicely with many garden companions.
Good companions include
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Lettuce
- Spring onions
- Dill and coriander
These plants do not compete heavily for nutrients and can help confuse pests.
Avoid planting near
- Other brassicas if pest pressure is high
- Strawberries, which tend to struggle alongside leafy greens
Rotating tatsoi each season helps keep soil pests and diseases in check.
✂️ Harvesting Tatsoi
Tatsoi can be harvested at almost any stage.
- Baby leaves can be picked from 3 to 4 weeks
- Whole heads are ready in 6 to 8 weeks
- Cut outer leaves first to allow the plant to keep producing
Harvest in the morning for the best flavour and texture. Leaves are tender, mild, and perfect for salads, stir fries, or wilting into soups.
🐛 Common Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Simple Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bolting | Warm weather or dry soil | Sow in cooler months and keep soil evenly moist |
| Holes in leaves | Caterpillars or flea beetles | Use insect netting and check leaves regularly |
| Yellowing leaves | Nutrient deficiency | Add compost or apply liquid feed |
| Wilting plants | Inconsistent watering | Mulch and water deeply |
| Slow growth | Cold soil or poor fertility | Improve soil and wait for warmer days |
Most issues are preventable with good timing and healthy soil.
🌾 Saving Tatsoi Seeds
Saving seed from tatsoi is very achievable, but it does take patience.
Step by Step Seed Saving
- Select the healthiest, strongest plants and let them grow on
- Tatsoi will flower in its second season after cold exposure
- Tall flowering stalks will form with small yellow flowers
- Seed pods will develop once flowers fade
- Allow pods to dry on the plant until they turn brown
- Harvest pods before they split open
- Dry further indoors, then crush pods to release seeds
- Winnow away chaff and store seeds in a cool, dry place
Important Notes
- Tatsoi can cross with other brassicas, especially bok choy and pak choy
- For true seed, isolate flowering plants or grow only one brassica type
- Saved seed remains viable for around 4 to 5 years if stored well
Seed saving connects you deeply to your garden and gives you seed adapted to your local conditions.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Tatsoi is one of those plants that quietly earns a permanent place in the garden. It grows fast, tastes great, and fits neatly into the cooler months when fresh greens are most appreciated. Whether you are sowing in trays for tidy transplants or scattering seed directly into the soil, tatsoi rewards a gentle, steady approach.
If you are looking for a reliable leafy green that does not ask for much but gives plenty back, tatsoi is a very good place to start. And remember, every season teaches you something new. That is half the joy of growing your own food.
Postage Charge
Orders under $35 attract a $4.95 shipping charge. Orders $35 and above have free shipping.
Order Times
Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.
Postage Days
Seeds are mailed out Tuesday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.
Postage Times
WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days
Carrier
We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders
Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿
Delivery Guarantee
We take great care to make sure your seeds arrive safely. If your order is lost or damaged in transit, we’ll happily send a replacement. Unfortunately, we can’t replace or refund orders that arrive later than the estimated delivery date, as delays can sometimes occur that are outside our control.
Please note that all dispatch and delivery times listed are estimates only. While we do our best to post promptly, delivery timeframes can vary due to postal service delays, weather events, or other unforeseen circumstances. We’re unable to take responsibility for any loss, damage, or cost that results from a late delivery.
An order is not considered missing until at least 20 business days have passed from the postage date. You’ll receive an email once your seeds have been posted, letting you know they’re on their way. If you don’t see it in your main inbox, please check your Spam or Promotions folders as sometimes our emails like to hide there.
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