Chinese Broccoli or Kailan
- Description
The plant resembles regular broccoli, although the leaves appear to be a
bit broader and the stems somewhat longer than broccoli. The flowers
form first into diminutive heads and then elongate rapidly into flower
stalks bearing yellow flowers.
Chinese broccoli is also known as Chinese kale, floweing kale (English)
kailan (Cantonese), Gai lan, Jie lan (Mandarin), cai rô (Vietnamese),
and Kat Na (Khmer). This crop resembles our more familiar broccoli with
a longer stem and very small head. Unlike many other Asian greens in the
Brasica family, this crop has a thick stem like cole crops that
originated in the Mediterranean, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and
Brussels sprouts ("cole" means stem in old English). It is believed that
early Portuguese explorers brought cabbage to Asia and through
generations of selections it has developed into Chinese broccoli.
The plant is suitable
for home garden and tolerant to heat drought and cold. Chinese broccoli is easy growing and can be planted all year round. Seeds
germinate in 3-4 days at 20-35 degC. Can be harvested 40 days later.
|
