SoCal Home Gardening

Tatsoi

Asian green, spinach-like, good for salads and stir-fries.

Information on Growing Tatsoi

Tatsoi, also known as spinach mustard or spoon mustard, is a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be grown successfully in a home garden. Here is some detailed information on how to grow Tatsoi:

1. Climate and Sunlight Requirements: Tatsoi is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 50-68�F (10-20�C). It prefers partial shade to full sun, especially in warmer regions. However, it can tolerate light frosts and short periods of freezing temperatures.

2. Soil Preparation: Tatsoi grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enhance its nutrient content and drainage.

3. Planting: Start Tatsoi seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Plant the seeds � inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they have around 3-4 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed.

4. Spacing: Space Tatsoi plants about 6-10 inches apart to allow enough room for their leaves to spread out. Consider leaving some space between rows for easy access and airflow.

5. Watering: Tatsoi requires consistent soil moisture to thrive. Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, use drip irrigation or water at the base of plants.

6. Fertilization: Fertilize the Tatsoi plants with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks to ensure healthy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth with poor flavor.

7. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the Tatsoi plants to help conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain a more even soil temperature.

8. Pest and Disease Control: Tatsoi is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, watch out for common garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods such as handpicking, natural predators, or organic insecticides, if necessary.

9. Harvesting: Tatsoi leaves can be harvested when they reach about 4-6 inches in length, typically around 40-50 days after planting. You can either harvest the entire plant by cutting it just above the soil, or selectively pick individual leaves. This allows the plant to continue producing new leaves for a longer harvest period.

10. Storage and Use: Freshly harvested Tatsoi can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used raw in salads, wilted in stir-fries or soups, or even steamed as a side dish.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy growing and harvesting Tatsoi in your home garden. Happy gardening!

Tatsoi Varieties

See All Tatsoi Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.