Tatsoi Mustard - 1 Gram

Tatsoi, also known as Spinach Mustard or Rosette Pak Choi, is a fast-growing, cold-hardy Asian green known for its beautiful, spoon-shaped, glossy dark green leaves that form a low, dense rosette. Its mild, mustardy flavour and crisp, juicy texture make it excellent for salads, stir-fries, and soups.

 

Plant type Cool-season annual (sometimes overwintered)

Height 10–20 cm tall

Spread 25–30 cm across (rosette-shaped)

Leaves Smooth, dark green, slightly puckered, spoon-like with prominent white veins

Texture Crisp, juicy stems and soft leaves

Flavour Mild, nutty, mustard-like taste with a slight sweetness—less pungent than other mustards

Growth habit Compact, ground-hugging rosette

Maturity Baby leaves in 20–25 days; full rosettes in 45–50 days

Cold tolerance Excellent—can survive frosts and even snow

Tatsoi is great as a cut-and-come-again green, harvested young or mature. It thrives in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden beds, making it a versatile option for all growers.

 

Growing Conditions

Light Full sun to partial shade (especially in warmer months)

Soil Moist, rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter

pH Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

Watering Keep soil evenly moist—avoid letting it dry out

Feeding Enrich soil with compost or apply a balanced organic fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen to prevent overly lush, pest-prone growth

 

Sowing Instructions

Direct Sowing (recommended)

When to sow

Spring crop 2–4 weeks before last frost

Autumn crop Late summer (6–8 weeks before first frost)

Seed depth 0.5–1 cm

Spacing

Thin to 15–20 cm between plants

Rows 25–30 cm apart

 

Starting Indoors (optional)

When 4–6 weeks before last frost

Transplant When seedlings have 2–3 true leaves and are 7–10 cm tall

Hardening off 5–7 days before transplanting

Germination details

Temperature 10–24°C

Germination time 5–10 days

 

Temperature & Seasonality

Thrives in cool temperatures 10–20°C

Can bolt (go to seed) quickly in heat, so best grown in spring or autumn

Can overwinter under protection in cold climates

 

Common Pests & Problems

Pests

Flea beetles Tiny holes in leaves – use row covers or neem oil spray

Aphids Gather in leaf curls and stems – wash off with water or treat with insecticidal soap

Slugs and snails Chew large holes – use traps, copper tape, or night hand-picking

Cabbage loopers / moth caterpillars Eat leaves – handpick or use Bt spray

Root maggots (in very moist soils) May attack young roots – rotate crops, use row covers, and avoid overwatering

 

Diseases

Downy mildew Yellow patches and fuzzy undersides – improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves

Powdery mildew White dusting on leaves – prevent overcrowding and use sulphur spray if needed

Damping-off (in seedlings) Caused by excess moisture – ensure good drainage and air flow

Clubroot Swollen, distorted roots – rotate crops, lime soil, and avoid infected beds

 

Harvesting Tips

Baby leaves Ready in ~3 weeks – great for salads

Full rosette Harvest entire plant at 45–50 days or harvest outer leaves for ongoing production

Cut-and-come-again Regular leaf picking encourages more growth

Storage Keep harvested leaves in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container