Leafy greens and brassicas · Moderate
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli)
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
NFT or DWC.
- EC (mS/cm)
- n/a
- pH
- n/a
- Cycle
- moderate
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Sound origin
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
Cabbage from southern China, the Canton region, eaten mainly in East and Southeast Asia. It is thought to descend from very old Mediterranean cabbages.
Source: Wikipedia
What it provides nutrients
Per 100 g, raw · Chinese broccoli, raw
- Rich in vitamin K
- Rich in vitamin C
- Rich in vitamin B9
- Source of vitamin A
% of an adult’s reference intake (EU Regulation 1169/2011). “Source of”: at least 15 % per 100 g, “high in”: at least 30 % (thresholds of EC Regulation 1924/2006).
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy no. 169404 (not in the Ciqual table)
Key steps
- Harvest the flower stalks before the flowers open, like broccoli.
- Side regrowth extends the harvest.
- Thick stems and waxy leaves: cook it sautéed or blanched.
- Dislikes intense heat.
In which system?
| Tower | NFT | Growing medium | Kratky |
|---|---|---|---|
Approximate calendar
| Sowing | Mar., Apr., May, July, Aug. |
| Plants | none |
| Harvest | May, June, July, Sept., Oct. |
Garden, patio, balcony: Belgian and northern French climate, earlier farther south. Estimates to adjust with your own dates.
Frequently asked questions
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) in hydroponics: what pH?
No specific range is published for this crop in the Oklahoma State table: we do not force an unverified figure. Start from the common range of 5.5–7.0 and write down your results.
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) in hydroponics: what EC?
Oklahoma State has published no value for this crop. Start low, watch the growth and record your measurements in a log.
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli): which hydroponic system?
Best suited: NFT and growing medium (Dutch bucket). NFT or DWC.
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli): when to sow in Belgium?
Indicative window for a garden, patio or balcony in Belgium or northern France: March, April, May, July, and August. Adjust with your own dates.
- Mon Potager Hydroponique growing benchmarks