Gailon is also called gai lan, jie lan, or Chinese broccoli. It produces a smaller head than broccoli. The young flowering buds, shoots, and succulent stems can be used in many dishes. Culture is similar to growing broccoli.
Cultural Tips for Growing Broccoli, UC IPM
Planting
- Transplant 8 to 12 inches apart in February to April or August to September.
- If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 6 weeks before you want to plant.
- Spring grown plants are more likely to bolt (go to flower) due to warm weather and longer days. Fall grown plants will generally produce for a longer period.
Harvesting
- Harvest the flowering stalks at around 18 inches tall, just before the buds start to open.
- You can harvest this vegetable multiple times; it will produce new shoots from lower leaf nodes. Cut the stalks about 6 to 8 inches from the top, leaving at least one or two leaf nodes to encourage sideshoots to develop.
- Flavor is improved by cooler weather.
Pest management
Similar to pests and disorders of broccoli, UC IPM
More links
- Harvesting and Cooking Tips for Asian Vegetables
- Asian Greens, Sonoma Master Gardeners