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Lettuce · Brassica rapa var. narinosa
Tatsoi
Tatsoi is a round, gently cupped leaves lettuce. Ready from roughly day 25. Germination takes 5-10 days. Space 6-8 inches apart. Full sun to part shade.
25days to harvest
5-10 daysdays to germinate
Z5–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Sowing
Direct sow after last frost for spring crop; late summer for fall crop
Cultivation
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- High — consistent moisture needed
- Soil
- Well-draining loam, neutral to slightly acidic pH
- Spacing
- 6-8 inches
- Height
- 3 feet
- Season
- Warm season annual
Appearance & flavour
- Colour
- Light green and white
- Shape
- Round, gently cupped leaves
- Flavour
- Mild flavor with tender, crunchy, and juicy stems.
In the kitchen
Raw salads, stir-fries, sautéing, steaming, Asian cuisine
Pests, disease & resistance
- Pests
- Flea beetles, cabbage loopers, aphids
- Diseases
- Downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf spot
Planting calendar by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 2 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 3 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 4 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 5 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 6 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 7 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 8 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 9 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 10 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 11 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 12 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| 13 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
Companion planting
24 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 9 to avoid.
LettuceShares similar growing conditions and doesn't compete for nutrients
SpinachCompatible growth habits and both benefit from cool weather
RadishesQuick-growing radishes help break up soil and deter flea beetles
OnionsStrong scent deters cabbage worms and aphids that attack brassicas
GarlicNatural pest deterrent, repels cabbage maggots and aphids
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage pests
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and various garden pests through natural compounds
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, drawing them away from tatsoi
RadishesBreak up soil for shallow tatsoi roots and deter flea beetles
CarrotsDifferent root depths prevent competition and carrots loosen soil
ChivesRepel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that attack brassicas
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and shallow roots, efficient space usage
SpinachCompatible cool-season crops with similar water and nutrient needs
MarigoldsDeter flea beetles and cabbage worms that commonly attack tatsoi
NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and flea beetles
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage pests
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and harvest timing, compatible root systems
RadishQuick germination helps break soil crust for tatsoi seeds, pest deterrent
SpinachSimilar cool-season preferences and water requirements
ArugulaCompatible brassica family member with similar growing needs
ChivesRepels aphids and flea beetles that commonly attack brassicas
DillAttracts beneficial insects and may repel cabbage pests
CilantroCool-season herb that attracts beneficial predatory insects
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles
Avoid
TomatoesHeavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt brassica growth
StrawberriesDifferent water and nutrient requirements can inhibit brassica development
Pole BeansCan shade low-growing tatsoi and compete for soil nutrients
BroccoliCompetes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like cabbage worms
StrawberriesRoot systems compete and strawberries may inhibit brassica growth
TomatoesDifferent watering needs and tomatoes may stunt brassica growth
Mustard GreensCompetition for nutrients and potential for shared brassica-specific diseases
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most vegetables including brassicas
StrawberryDifferent water and nutrient requirements may stunt microgreen growth
Nutrition (per 100 g)
- Calories (per 100 g)
- 69
- Protein (g)
- 1.5
- Fat (g)
- 0.1
- Carbohydrate (g)
- 17.6
- Fibre (g)
- 5.3
- Sugars (g)
- 8.55
- Vitamin A (µg)
- 5
- Vitamin C (mg)
- 54.1
- Calcium (mg)
- 8
- Iron (mg)
- 1.61
- Magnesium (mg)
- 24
- Phosphorus (mg)
- 47
- Potassium (mg)
- 304
- Zinc (mg)
- 0.31
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.
DarkGrow forum
Grown Tatsoi?
Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.
Similar varieties
Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Tatsoi suits these too.
- Spinach 25 days
- Koji 25 days
- Ruby Red Orach 28 days
- Red Cloud 28 days
- Miz America 28 days
- Scarlet Frills 21 days