Growing Choy Sum (Yu Choy) in Pots and Gardens
04.09.2023 - 06:23
/ balconygardenweb.com
/ Dhruvdeep
This article offers easy steps for the successful planting, nurturing, and harvesting of Choy Sum (Yu Choy) – a nutritious and tasty Asian vegetable!
Choy Sum, also known as Yu Choy, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, sharing a relationship with mustard, broccoli, and cauliflower. Originating from China, it is often referred to as the ‘heart of the vegetable’ in English. Its botanical name is Brassica rapa var. Parachinensis.
With slender light green stems and broad, oval-shaped leaves, it grows to an average height of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). As it matures, it produces clusters of small yellow flowers akin to those found on the rapeseed plant.
Choy Sum exhibits a moderate growth rate, making it neither too fast nor too slow to develop. It typically attains a height of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). In terms of its spread, it maintains a similar range of 6 to 8 inches.
All parts of the plant are edible. Its leaves and stalks present a distinctive flavor characterized by a mild green bitterness, along with a peppery and mustard-like undertone. Notably, its flavor profile is slightly sweeter compared to other Chinese vegetables.
Young stems and flowers offer a tender crispness, although they may become slightly more bitter as they mature. On the other hand, the leaves boast a milder aroma and are best cooked with minimal heat exposure to preserve their texture.
Seed propagation is one of the simplest methods to grow Choy Sum. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
For optimal growth of Choy Sum, an ideal pot size is around 10-12 inches in diameter, would be a great start. If you want a harvest for a family of 4, then up the pot size to 16-18 inches and grow 2-3 plants in it.
Choy Sum thrives in full sun, requiring at