How to Grow Asian Greens

Not only are Asian Green seeds quick and easy to grow, they are full of nutrients and taste great! These days Asian greens are readily available in stores but really, there’s nothing like picking them fresh from your own garden.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Asian greens are, how to grow Asian greens yourself, including how to sow Asian green seeds, and provide many more handy tips, so you can enjoy the delicious flavours these fantastic crops deliver from the comfort of your own home.

Asian Greens Examples

Generally speaking, Asian greens are a group of green leafy vegetables commonly used in Asian cuisine. These are some of the most common Asian vegetables used (please keep in mind, there are multiple name variations for each of the Asian greens):

• Gai choy – Asian mustard greens
• Kailaan or Gai Lan – known as Chinese broccoli
• Wombok – also called Chinese cabbage
• Tatsoi – also called Spinach mustard
• Mizuna – also called Japanese mustard
• Watercress
• Choi Sum (Choy Sum)– also known as Chinese flowering cabbage
• Pak Choi (Pak Choy)– also known as Chinese mustard cabbage
• Bok Choi (Bok Choy)- also known as Chinese mustard cabbage and Pak Choi and Bok Choi are very similar.

How to Grow Asian Greens

Sowing Asian Greens

Autumn is a great time to plant Asian greens because the hot weather can make the plants bolt and become bitter. They can also be grown during winter in frost-free areas. They don’t generally like to be disturbed, so it’s best to sow Asian greens directly into the garden bed or a large pot.

For a continuous supply of greens, sow the seeds every two to three weeks.

Soil Preparation

Each variety of Asian greens has slightly different planting instructions but generally, they require well-fertilised soil with good drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist, and apply a liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks.

Caring and Harvesting Asian Greens

Watch out for snails and slugs as they like to eat Asian greens at any stage. Check plants regularly, especially at night after rain, and use a beer trap or spread coffee grounds around your soil to prevent unwanted bugs.

Within as little as 6 weeks you could be harvesting wonderful Asian Greens for your next meal.

What to Do with Your Asian Greens Harvest

Asian Greens can be used in plenty of meals such as stir-fries, soups, and salads, or simply steamed and drizzled with a little oyster sauce or sesame oil. To enjoy the best flavour and get the most vitamins and minerals from yours, use them shortly after harvesting.

Storing Asian Greens

Due to the naturally high water content of Asian greens, they generally don’t store well, but if storing is necessary, use a plastic bag with a few holes in it to allow air in, and refrigerate them for 1-2 days.

Otherwise, you can freeze them by following these instructions:

1. Place greens in a large strainer and pour over a kettle of boiling water.
2. Refresh the greens under cold water and drain well.
3. Place greens onto a clean tea towel and pat dry.
4. Pop the greens into an airtight container or zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Gardening Advice

At Mr Fothergill’s, we love nothing more than spreading the word about growing your own crops. So, for more information about Asian greens and how to grow vegetable seeds, fruit seeds, flower seeds, and herbs at home, check out our comprehensive garden advice blog.