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Broccoli, Chinese—Brassica alboglabra L.1

James M. Stephens 2

Chinese broccoli has other names such as gai lohn, kai lan, and Chinese kale. It is one of the Asian vegetables that seems to do well in Florida gardens, particularly during the fall and winter.

Description

The plant resembles regular broccoli, although the leaves appear to be a bit broader and the stems somewhat longer than broccoli. The flowers form first into diminutive heads and then elongate rapidly into flower stalks bearing yellow flowers.

Culture

Chinese broccoli is a cool season vegetable that should be grown like regular broccoli. Pests, such as cabbage loopers, which bother regular broccoli, also attack the Chinese version. It seems to do well on plastic mulch if given adequate moisture. Space plants 6-inches apart in rows 12- to 24-inches wide.

 

Figure 1. Chinese broccoli
Figure 1.  Chinese broccoli
Credit: James M. Stephens

 

Harvesting and Use

Harvest the flower stalk just before the flowers open. A few open buds do not reduce the quality. Leave a 4- to 6-inch portion of the flower stem attached. These stems are usually split before stir-frying or using in other cooked dishes.

Footnotes

1. This document is HS565, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 1994. Revised August 2015. Reviewed October 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. James M. Stephens, professor emeritus, Horticultural Sciences Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #HS565

Release Date:October 29, 2018

Related Experts

Stephens, James M.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Collections

Part of Minor Vegetable Handbook

    Fact Sheet

    Contacts

    • Danielle Treadwell
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