Chinese Radishes: Chinese radishes &151; also known as lo bok &151; are usually similarto Japanese daikon with long white cylindrical roots. Some varieties are yellowish, greenor black, with oblong or spherical roots. The leaves are generally hairless and can beeaten as cooked greens. The roots are generally quite large, often 2 to 4 inches indiameter and 6 to 20 inches long. They are eaten raw, cooked or pickled.

Fresh: 3-5 feet of row

Diseases:

Wong Bok is grown in rows 20 to 30 inches apart with the plants 12 to 15 inches apart in

Many common Chinese vegetables are cole crops (cabbage relatives) that perform well ascool-season crops in South Carolina. These include Chinese or napa cabbage, bok choy,mustards, and Chinese broccoli. Snow peas are also grown during the winter or earlyspring.

W-R Green (spring), Dynasty(ll),Jade Pagoda (ll),

COOL-SEASON CHINESE VEGETABLES

WARM-SEASON CROPS

Maintaining a steady, moderate rate of growth.

Preservation: 5-10 feet of row

any overall application of fertilizer to the garden, some sidedressing may beneeded.

Winter melon (Benincasa hispada): This squash-like vegetable is widely used steamed,stir fried and in a special soup served in its own shell. It is called winter melonbecause it will store through the winter after harvesting. The large fruit are pale seagreen with a thick waxy coating, and shaped like round or oblong pumpkins. This fruittakes about five months to mature from seed. Since they store well, they are often plantedto mature in mid-autumn as are pumpkins. Their cultural requirements are similar to wintersquash or pumpkins. They need warmth and lots of water in the growing season. Immaturefruits can also be harvested for fresh use.

Site Characteristics

Chinese cabbage is best sown in late summer and autumn rather than spring. If seed issown in spring young plants may bolt if they are frosted or exposed to a long period ofcold nights.

This Asian green is prized for its mild flavor in salads and stir fries, heat- andcold-tolerance, and fine leaves that form an attractive rosette.

Home and Garden Information Center

Since these vegetables are from several different milies, their cultural needs vary.They are covered under each individual crop.

&145;Chin-Chiang&146; is a st-growing baby bok choi that is resistant to hightemperatures and matures in 30 days.

Suyo Long The slender fruit are 12 to 18 inches long with spiny, dark green, ribbedskin. This type is highly productive, with powdery mildew resistance and good heattolerance.

Maintenance and care:

&145;Merah&146; Coleus leaf is another name for this attractive and especiallyflavorful variety. The leaf centers are dark magenta, surrounded by lime green.

if not watered regularly. The plants need about one inch of water per week.

&145;Jade Pagoda&146; is a michili type that is best for ll planting. It is widelyadapted, slow-bolting and produces high yields.

rize Choy(spring) and Spoon Pak Choy (ll)

Also known as kyona

Chinese cabbage is more closely related to the mustards than to the cabbages.Chinese

Cucumbers: Chinese varieties of cucumbers are usually thin, long and with smaller seedsthan standard American slicers. The skin may have ridges or be smooth. They are generallynot bitter and have a very pleasant slightly sweet taste. They are best grown on a trellisto produce straight fruit. Otherwise, grow them as you would regular slicing cucumbers.

Varieties

1. Source: Gardening Magazine, May 1986, Roger Kline, Cornell Univ.

smaller heads so may be planted closer together.

degrees for 15 days, will bolt. The usual planting time is in late May. In additionto

2.Source: Michigan State Univ.Extension Index

Snow Peas: This edible podded pea is one of the most expensive fresh vegetables, and sinceits flavor deteriorates quickly after harvest, it is well worth growing at home. The podsare very tender and sweet if eaten while young before the peas develop.

Plant Traits

Plants need 55 to 70 days from a ll seeding to harvest. They grow best during coolweather. Harvest just before flowers open. Cut the center stem first, leaving a long stubto encourage the side shoots to develop

Mizuna generally suffers less insect damage than other cole crops. Use floating row coversto prevent early season infestations.

GROWING COOL-SEASON CROPS

Watering: These vegetables grow best with uniform soil moisture. Water the garden inthe morning so that the foliage is dry before dark. Water sufficiently to moisten the soilto a depth of at least 6 inches. Avoid light sprinklings, which encourage shallow rooting.The critical periods for moisture are stand establishment and crop maturation. Mulchingcan help conserve water and reduce weeds. Use very shallow cultivation to help keep thesecrops free of weeds.

Sold as kyona or mizuna in most seed catalogs.

minestrone. In 2003, we harvestedthe last of the crops on October 22nd, a day before our first snowll.

Chinese Brocolli: This popular bunching green is also called Chinese kale or kai lan.Chinese brocolli is grown for its tender, thickened, flower stalks and young leaves. Itdoes not form a head and is similar to European brocolli rabe.

as bitter.

1.Looseleaf(also called bok choy, pak choi, pei tsai)

Deeply cut, fern-like leaves form an attractive rosette.

Growing slow-bolting varieties.

&145;Tendergreen&146; is slow-bolting with a long harvest period.

The fruits grow rapidly during hot weather and, like cucumbers, must be harvested dailyto keep the fruits from becoming too large. Fruits are sensitive to chilling injury andshould not be stored below 55 F.

Aphids

Grow bitter melon as you would grow cantaloupe or honeydew melons. Start seed indoorsand plant out when the weather is warm. They grow best with a trellis to climb on infertile soil with abundant water.

&145;Red Giant&146; has striking red purple leaves and can grow to 2 feet or more. It isvery pungent when mature and is best used while young.

cabbage is not stored.

&145;Pingtung Long&146; The 10-to 11-inch long fruits are very slender and tenderwith glossy purple skin. Plants are heavy-yielding and tolerate extreme heat and wetness.

The plants are tolerant of high temperature and acid soils but intolerant of coldtemperatures, and under low soil moisture the pods are short and fibrous. Yard-long beanswill produce well where high temperatures prevent flower set of snap beans.

Growing Oriental Greens

Michigan State University Extension Index

Chinese Spinach: This green &151; also known as calaloo or hin choy &151; is actuallya type of amaranth or Joseph&146;s Coat grown for its edible leaves. Amaranths vary infoliage color, leaf shape, plant height and flavor. Several varieties are grown as beddingplants, and some are also grown for grain. Greens types of amaranths usually grow from 2to 4 feet tall. They grow best in sunny, raised beds with well-fertilized soils and plentyof moisture. Chinese spinach thrives in hot weather and if grown in cool seasons, theleaves may be tough and poor quality.

Days to Maturity: 55-75 days

Johnnys Seedssay most oriental vegetables prefer cool weather, soits important to select plant varieties that are slow to bolt in the spring andnon-resistant varieties in late summer for ll harvesting. The two articles belowrefer to all oriental greens as Chinese Cabbage.

Tat soi: This very hardy green forms a flattened, thick rosette of dark green,spoon-shaped leaves. It is good for growth as a winter crop because mature plants canwithstand frost and snow. Sow seed in the ll or plant transplants in spring with 4 to 6inches between plants in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Spring sown plants are prone to bolting.

plant too early. Seedlings with less than 7 leaves, exposed to temperaturesbelow 50

Seed can be saved 4 years.

Chinese Okra: This squash relative &151; also known as luf &151; is called Chine搜索引擎优化kra because of the okra-like shape and pronounced ribbing of its fruit. It is also knownas dishcloth gourd or luf when fully mature. It is harvested for eating while stilltender. Plants are vigorous growing vines related to melons and squash, and are grown inthe same way. Plants are more productive when trained on a trellis and can produce 10 to20 fruit per plant.

Lifecycle: annual

Foliage texture: fine

Growing Information

Brassicaceae Family

Komatsuma

Some Chinese vegetables that grow best in warm seasons include: Chinese spinach, yard-longbeans, Chinese okra or luf, bitter and winter melons, and Chinese eggplant andcucumbers.

&145;Shunkyo Semi-Long&146; This distinctive 4-to 5-inch long, cylindrical, pinkradish matures in 32 days. The flavor is both hot and sweet.

3. Chinese Vegetables

Sow the seed thinly in the row, and thin the plants to 12 inches apart for michilitypes, and 18 inches apart for napa types.

How to plant: Propagate by seed

Flea beetles

Ease-of-care: easy

varieties: Chinese Mustard, Indian mustard, Leaf HeadingMustard, Tendergreen,

are Napa types, originally Michihli types, which were taller,

Setting out young, healthy transplants that have not been stressed.

Grow them as you would pole beans. They are easy to grow but very sensitive to cold.Plant seeds to 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart after soils have warmed thoroughly inlate spring. Plants need a sturdy trellis on which to climb. Harvest the pods while theyare still tender, ideally while less than the thickness of a pencil. While the pods cangrow up to 3 feet in length, they are best when only 10 to 12 inches in length.

Yard-long Beans (Vigna unguiculata): These unusual beans are known as Chinese long beans,asparagus beans or dau gok. They are closely related to black-eyed peas and cowpeas, buttheir long pods are eaten fresh like pole beans.

Greens oriental leaves,stir-fryingvegetables and was attracted tobok/pak choi and Chinese cabbage, because they have a combination of leafy and crispy,celery-like textures that are great in stir-fried dishes and

Use floating row covers to help protect from early insect infestations.

Source: Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center, Prepared by KarenRuss, HGIC Information Specialist, and Powell Smith, Lexington County Extension Agent,Clemson University

Foliage color: medium green

Other members of the cabbage mily that are like the leafy green we call mustard, but not

varieties: Mizuna, also known as kyona

Common disease problems include black rot, wire stem, downy mildew and Alternaria leafspot. Grubs, nematodes and sometimes wireworms may damage Chinese radishes.

2.Heading(also called pai-tsai,pe-tsai, won bok and bok choi)

Soil conditions: requires well-drained soil

&145;Chinese White&146; The roots are elongated, 6 to 8 inches long and wider at thelower end. The skin and flesh are pure white and mild flavored. It is good for picklingand winter storage. Matures in 50 to 60 days.

Many Chinese greens seeds are small and should be planted shallowly and then thinned tothe desired spacing. Raised beds can be used to ensure good drainage. It is critical tokeep the soil evenly moist during seedling establishment, especially for summer or llplantings.

Source: Cornell Extension Serv.

Per Person Requirements:

y at the end) is a non-heading type with dark green leaves and white leaf stems. WongBok (napa) is a head type cabbage. Cabbage prefers cool weather and likes a fertile,well drained, moist soil. Some root problems can be avoided on light soil.

There are several types of Chinese cabbage. Bok Choi (also Pak Choi and often spelledwith a

Competing against other conventional greens like Swiss chard, collards, andkale, the only ones so r to pass "field trials" in 2003 are pak choi, mizuna, and, aNapa-type Chinese cabbage. We planted pak choi in the spring, mizuna in the summer,and a Napa-type, heading cabbage for a ll crop--based on the research below and theircatalogue descriptions . Mizuna performed very well as a summer crop. Thecool-weather, Napa type Chinese cabbage never formed a head, but still was a greatsubstitute forcole slaw,

&145;Mei Qing choi&146; is a baby bok choy with light green stems and paddle-shapedleaves.

Harvest leaves anytime they are suitable. The heads are harvested when mature. Chinese

Special Considerations

&145;China Rose&146; The roots are 4 to 5 inches long, elongated and thicker at thebottom than at the top. The skin is deep rose with crisp white flesh. Good keeper. 52days.

Watering is important when growing Chinese cabbage. Bok choi gets tipburn and istough

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia): This vigorous annual cucurbit vine is also known asbitter gourd, balsam pear or foo gwa. It produces sour or bitter fruit that look likesmall, light green, warty cucumbers. Varieties with lighter green skin are usually milderin flavor. The young immature fruit are stuffed, used in stir fries or pickled. Once thefruit begins to turn yellow or the fruit splits, it is no longer edible.

Chinese Cabbage: This close cousin of regular cabbage is also known as celery cabbage.Chinese cabbage forms dense heads that may be very upright and tall (michili types) orround or barrel shaped (napa types). The leaves are slightly wrinkled and thinner thanleaves of regular cabbage with wide, crisp midribs.

Fruits are elongated, cylindrical and may be more than a foot long. The angled luf(Luf acutangula) is more tender and best for use as a vegetable. The smooth luf (L.aegyptiaca) which is without ribs is much more fiboriental leavesrous and is best for growing asdishcloth or sponge gourds.

From early spring to late summer, sow seeds to inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18inches apart. Thin to 6-inch spacings.

&145;China Pride&146; is a napa type that forms a 5 pound head. It is tolerant ofdowny mildew, bacterial soft rot and tip burn.

&145;Joi-choi&146; is vigorous, uniform and slow-bolting. The plants are upright withdark green leaves, ivory stems and fine, spoon-shaped stalks. &145;Joi Choi&146; is verytolerant of cold weather.

and less flavorful varieties:

Chinese Mustard

Eggplant: Chinese varieties are usually very long and thin, and white, lavender-streakedor purple. They are picked while still young and tender and eaten cooked as a vegetable orstuffed with minced meat. Most will not need peeling when picked young. Plants may need tobe supported so that the long fruits will grow straight. Otherwise, grow them as you wouldregular eggplants.

Sow the tiny seeds inch deep or less after the soil is thoroughly warm, and keep thebed evenly moist. Thin young plants to 6 inches apart. Pinch the growing tips to force theplant to branch and make more new and tender growth. Begin harvesting greens five to sixweeks after sowing.

Tolerates: frost

To help reduce disease, do not plant mizuna or other cole crops in the same locationmore than once every three or four years.

Chinese vegetables include Chinese cabbage, bok choy, mustard greens, winter radish,snow peas, yard-long beans, and varieties of melons, eggplant and cucumbers, among others.These vegetables are becoming more miliar with an increasingly diverse population andthe popularity of ethnic foods. Many ChineGreens oriental leavesse vegetables will grow well in the home garden.

Watering well when transplanting to start root growth and remove air pockets from thesoil.

In 2003, we broadened our experience in growing oriental greens by plantingseveral different varieites. As a result, this cook/gardener has decided thatoriental greens is not a marketing hoax. I love

Bolting can be prevented by:

&145;Savanna&146; is an exceptionally early maturing variety with thick, deep greenleaves with a mild flavor. It holds well in the garden.

Pests:

Has contrasting white petioles and veins.

Matsushima

Though not as demanding as many cole crops, prefers well-drained, fertile soil high inorganic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil.

Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis): These plants have many names including pak choy, bok-choi,celery mustard and spoon cabbage. They form loose upright heads with dark green leaves andthick, crisp, white or pale green ribs. Most varieties are bolt-resistant:

Synonym: Brassica rapa nipposinica

Shape: cushion, mound or clump

Chihli(celery cabbage) has a tall cylindrical head.

spring salads. Tat soi and Tsai Taiwere also appealing for cool-weather greens and Mizuna for warmer-weather greens.

Chihli is planted in rows 20 to 30 inches apart with the plants 12 inches apart.Dont

Brassica rapa var. Japonica

Days to emergence: 4 to 7

&145;Oregon Sugar Pod II&146; The pods are smooth, stringless, and 4 to 5 inches longon 28-to 30-inch vines. This variety is resistant to powdery mildew.

3.Flat(Tatsoi, TahTsai), which author describes as "tender,

Clemson Univ. Extension,

Not as susceptible to diseases that often plague other cole crops.

Plant seed after all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm in hills 3 feet apartin rows at least 4 feet apart. For maximum production, trellis the plants. Culturalrequirements are the same as for other members of the cucurbit mily. Fruit forconsumption as a vegetable is ready to harvest in about 100 days. Harvest when 6 to 8inches in length and still tender. Allow another 30 days for the fruit to fully mature ifit is to be used as a gourd or as a dishcloth.

Chinese Mustards: Chinese mustards are usually broad-leaved greens, sometimesred-leafed with green ribs. There are many varieties and forms. Most have a pleasantlyspicy flavor. Young leaves can be used in salads, while older leaves &151; which arestronger flavored &151; are steamed or stir-fried. Grow them as you would regular mustardgreens.

&145;Misato Rose Flesh&146; The roots are round to oblong, 4 inches in diameter with amild sweet flavor. The skin is pale green and white with rose pink flesh. This variety isvery cold-tolerant and stores well.

Sidedress with 2 ounces of nitrogen per 100 after the plants are up.

Approximate Yield/10 feet of row: 7 pounds

Sunlight: full sun, part shade

Fertilizing: It is best to base fertilizer application on the results of a soil test.Information on soil testing is available in the ct sheet HGIC 1652, Soil Testing. If asoil test has not been taken, apply 5-10-10 at 3 pounds per 100 square feet beforeplanting. The soil pH must be between 6.0 and 6.4 for best growth. Mix fertilizersthoroughly with the soil to prevent root burning.

Chinese cabbage can be direct seeded into the garden to avoid transplantingshock. Bok

4. Mizuna - Vegetable (Cool Season) - Cabbage Family

Planting at the correct time for your area.

the rows. Closer spacings give smaller heads. Early maturing varieties of wongbok have

varieties: China Pride, Two Seasons (spring andll),

Special uses: edible landscaping

Choi is spaced 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart. Thin to 8 to 10 inches

Planting: Cole crops should be grown in early spring or ll. If planting in spring, itis essential to plant early enough to ensure that the crop is harvested beforetemperatures become too hot. Most will bolt (produce a flower stalk) if exposed to aprolonged cold period following a vorable growing period. Transplants are best forspring plantings, but ll plantings may be directly seeded into the row.

Grow the vigorous vines as you would other peas, providing trellising for support.Plant seed about 1 inch deep six to eight weeks before the last expected spring killingfrost in single rows with seed spaced about 5 inches apart. Maintain good soil moistureduring bloom and pod development for the best quality. The plants will decline rapidly inhot, dry weather. Harvest before the peas expand.

Oriental greens are more sensitive to the temperature swings we areexperiencing as a result of global warming. They generally prefer cool weather andwill bolt if exposed to too warm or too cool temperatures during their early growthstages.

White flies

The Chinese cole crops are affected by the same pests and diseases that affect othercabbage relatives. These include the imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, Harlequinbugs, cabbage maggots, aphids and flea beetles.

tasty, and mild-flavored."

Tighter heads can bestored. Looserheads must be used soon after harvesting. Consult the monthly archives in GardenTips for generic information on growing orGarden Linksfor sources.

Common Problems: Cole crops will bolt (produce a flower stalk) if exposed to aprolonged cold period following a vorable growing period, followed by warm conditions.This is a problem of spring-planted and overwintered crops. The larger the plants are atthe time of exposure to the cold period, the higher the incidence of bolting. Lack ofnitrogen or other nutrient stresses as well as competition from weeds, insects or diseasesthat slow vegetative growth can also promote flowering. Some varieties are moresusceptible to bolting than are other varieties.

Plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.

Chinese radishes are bigger than the common radish and need more space and a longergrowing season. A deep, loose, moist, fertile soil is required. Plant in late winter orearly spring for spring and summer use and in late summer for ll harvest.

Germination temperature: 45 F to 85 F - Will germinate at soil temperatures as low as40 F.

&145;Michili&146; has an elongated semi-heading shape that resembles romaine lettuceand light green leaves with a broad white midrib.