Chinese Stem Mustard Tuber is a bright green, knobby, fist-sized, swollen fleshy stem of a mustard plant that has a satisfying crunch and great versatility! This cool season crop grows large 3-1/2 - 5 inch-diameter stems that can be sauteed, stir-fried, or pickled, or it can be harvested for its delicious mustard greens to flavor soups and stews. Originating from the Sichuan Province of China, mustard tuber is often pickled with salt and red hot chili paste to make a kimchi-like side, called "Zha Cai," to add a delicious pop of flavor to rice congee and noodles. Chinese Stem Mustard Tuber is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins and minerals, and provides a wonderful alternative to traditional leafy greens. Not only does it offer culinary versatility, but its fast growth and ease of cultivation make it ideal for gardeners looking for a quick and rewarding harvest. Also Known As: Swollen Stem Mustard, Big Stem Knob Mustard, Thick Stem Round Tuber, Zha Cai, Sichuan or Szechwan Mustard Tuber, Cha Tsai, Tsa Tsai, Ja Choy, Spicy Radish. Plant Name: Mustard Green, Stem Mustard Latin Name: Brassica juncea var. tumida Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 155 Plant Height: 24 - 30 Inches Spread: 12 - 18 Inches Growth Habit: Upright USDA Zones: 2-11 Lifespan: Biennial Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant Stem Mustard in early spring 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date and the soil begins to warm (>45F). For fall crops, direct sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 10 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Plant every 2-3 weeks for a continuous crop. Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Within-Row Spacing: 10 inches Between-Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, you may optionally apply a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Stem Mustard Tuber is best harvested when the swollen stems reach about 4 to 6 inches in diameter, typically 60 to 80 days after planting. For the best texture and flavor, harvest before the stems become too tough or fibrous. To harvest, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stem at the base, leaving the roots behind. After harvesting, the tuber can be cleaned and either eaten fresh, pickled, or used in stir-fries. If multiple plants are grown, staggered harvesting allows for an extended yield.
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