PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; tolerates light shade during intense summer heat to prevent bolting
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid prolonged drought stress which can cause bitter leaves
Temperature
Thrives in 10–20℃; can tolerate light frost but will bolt quickly in temperatures above 28℃
Characteristics
- Leaf: Dense, overlapping pale green to white leaves forming a cylindrical or oval head; smooth, tender texture
- Flower: Small, four-petaled yellow flowers arranged in upright racemes
- Stem: Short, thick central stem supporting the tightly packed leaf head
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply balanced organic fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote leafy growth during early development
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface and water in to release calcium slowlyPruning
- Remove outer yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
- Harvest the entire mature head by cutting at the base; leave the root crown to regrow small edible side shoots
- Trim emerging flower stalks immediately if bolting occurs to redirect energy back to leaf growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; edible and widely consumed as a vegetable
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible leafy vegetable; commonly used in stir-fries, kimchi, salads, and soups
