Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Choy Sum
Brassica rapa var. parachinensis · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 30–50 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 30–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
15–20cm
Depth
0.5–1cm
01Grown for the flowering stem
Unlike its leafy relatives, choy sum is picked for its tender stems and edible yellow flowers, harvested while still young before the stems toughen.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones; avoid the height of summer heat.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Keep soil consistently moist for tender, non-bitter stems.
- Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continual harvest.
- Net against cabbage moth if pressure is high.
- Harvest promptly once flower buds appear — stems toughen quickly after.
04Problems
- Bolting — heat stress; grow in cooler months.
- Cabbage moth — net or hand-pick.
- Slugs and snails — target young leaves; use barriers.
- Tip burn — irregular watering; keep moisture even.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Stems firm and upright, flower buds just forming or starting to open.
Method
Cut stems 5–10cm above the base; the plant regrows for a second harvest.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, a few days — best used fresh.
Preserving
See Fermenting (sauerkraut and fermented brassicas) or Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionHerbsAvoid nearby
StrawberryTomatoRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.
