If you’re looking for a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in just a few weeks, Choy Sum is one of the best crops you can grow in your vegetable garden.
It’s productive, easy to grow, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In this guide I’ll show you how I grow Choy Sum from seed, how to care for the plants, and when to harvest them for the best flavour.
Right below you can watch the full step-by-step video from my garden.
Choy Sum is a popular Asian leafy vegetable that produces tender stems, soft leaves, and small edible flowers. The best part is that you can often harvest your first crop in around four weeks, making it one of the fastest vegetables you can grow.
What Is Choy Sum?
Choy Sum (sometimes called Chinese flowering cabbage) is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Asian cooking.
The plant produces tender stems, broad green leaves, and small yellow flowers that are all edible.
Gardeners love growing Choy Sum because it grows incredibly quickly compared to many other vegetables. Instead of waiting months for a harvest, you can often start picking your crop within just a few weeks.
This makes it perfect for:
• Quick harvest vegetables
• Filling gaps in vegetable beds
• Succession planting throughout the season
• Small gardens or raised beds
How to Grow Choy Sum From Seed
Growing Choy Sum is very straightforward and ideal for beginners.
I usually sow the seeds directly into the soil where they will grow rather than starting them in trays.
Start by preparing a bed with loose, fertile soil. Like most leafy greens, Choy Sum grows best in soil that has been enriched with compost or organic matter.
Sow the seeds shallowly in rows and lightly cover them with soil. In good conditions, seeds often germinate within just a few days.
Try not to sow too thickly. Giving the plants some space allows them to grow stronger stems and produce better leaves.
Caring for Choy Sum Plants
Once the seedlings appear, Choy Sum requires very little maintenance.
The main focus is keeping the plants growing steadily without stress.
Here are the key things I pay attention to:
Water regularly
Leafy greens grow best when the soil stays evenly moist.
Thin seedlings if they are crowded
This improves airflow and allows plants to develop properly.
Check for pests
Because Choy Sum is part of the brassica family, it can occasionally attract pests such as cabbage white butterflies.
Luckily, because the crop grows so quickly, problems are usually minimal.
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When to Harvest Choy Sum
One of the biggest advantages of growing Choy Sum is how quickly you can start harvesting.
In many cases, plants are ready around four weeks after sowing depending on weather and growing conditions.
You can harvest by cutting the whole plant at the base, or by harvesting individual stems if you prefer a staggered harvest.
Fresh Choy Sum works brilliantly in:
• Stir-fries
• Noodle dishes
• Soups
• Steamed vegetable sides
Homegrown greens always taste fresher than store-bought vegetables.
Why Choy Sum Is a Brilliant Vegetable to Grow
If you want a crop that is quick, productive, and beginner-friendly, Choy Sum is an excellent addition to your vegetable garden.
It’s a great choice because it:
• Grows very quickly
• Takes up little space
• Produces tender, delicious greens
• Works well for succession planting
If you’d like to see the full process from sowing to harvest, watch the complete video here:
Save This Guide for Later
If you found this guide helpful, consider saving it so you can come back to it when you’re planning your planting schedule.
Choy Sum is one of those vegetables that once you grow it, it often becomes a regular crop in the garden because of how easy and productive it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Choy Sum
How long does Choy Sum take to grow?
Choy Sum can be ready to harvest in as little as 4 weeks depending on growing conditions.
Can Choy Sum be grown in the UK?
Yes, Choy Sum grows very well in the UK during spring, summer, and early autumn.
Can Choy Sum be grown in containers?
Yes. Because it grows quickly and doesn’t require deep soil, it grows well in containers or raised beds.
