Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) is grown for its thick, sweet stems, glossy leaves and small flower heads — a robust, quick Asian green with a lovely nutty flavour, and easy in a raised bed.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 15–20 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 7–10 weeks
When to plant: Gai lan grows best in the cool but tolerates warmth better than most brassicas — sow autumn through spring, and a short row every few weeks. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing them in a raised bed: Sow directly or plant seedlings into rich mix. Netting keeps cabbage whites off. Cut the main stem and it throws out tender side shoots for weeks.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for sweet, tender stems; feed for steady growth.
Common pests: keep an eye out for caterpillars and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: Grows well with other Asian greens; the whole plant — stem, leaf and bud — is eaten. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Cut the main stem when the first buds appear, leaving a few leaves; side shoots follow. Peel any thick stems and cook them like tender-stem broccoli.
More growing guides: broccoli, choy sum and pak choy.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Nthaci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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