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Hon Tsai Tai — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Hon Tsai Tai
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

37days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z5–9USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow from June through October for best yields; spring sowing also possible but yields lower in most climates

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Spacing: 8-12 inches
Height: 3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Red-purple
Size: 8-10"
Shape: Long, pencil-thin budded flower stems
Flavour: Mild, pleasant mustard flavor with tender texture, suitable for both raw and cooked preparations.

In the kitchen

Raw salads, stir-fries, soups, light cooking

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, cabbage moths, aphids
Diseases: Downy mildew, club root, white rust

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	June – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	May – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	April – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	February – December
11	—	—	January – February	January – December
12	—	—	January – February	January – December
13	—	—	January – February	January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves growth, while providing natural pest deterrent

RadishesBreak up soil for shallow lettuce roots and mature quickly without competing

CarrotsDifferent root depths prevent competition and carrots loosen soil for lettuce

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and other pests that damage lettuce leaves

GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can be interplanted for succession harvests

NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting lettuce from damage

DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on lettuce pests like aphids

Avoid

BroccoliCompetes heavily for nutrients and can shade out lettuce with large leaves

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce germination and growth

SunflowersAllelopathic effects suppress lettuce growth and tall plants create excessive shade

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Hon Tsai Tai

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Hon Tsai Tai?

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