leafy green
EdibleGai Lan / Chinese Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA (Brassica, non-toxic)).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, is the Cantonese green eaten with oyster sauce — thick crunchy stems, blue-green leaves, and small buds. It is a fast, cool-season brassica that takes well to a container.
About Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli
Gai lan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra), or Chinese broccoli, is the Cantonese green served blanched under a slick of oyster sauce: thick, crunchy stems, broad blue-green leaves, and small flower buds. It is a close cousin of the broccoli and kale already in the catalog, but distinct on the plate. A fast cool-season brassica, it takes well to a 5-litre container in bright light.
Harvest the main stem before its buds open, when the stalks are at their sweetest, and side shoots follow for a second, smaller pick. Keep it cool, since warmth turns the stems tougher and the flavour sharper. A first cut comes around 50 to 70 days. As with other brassicas, check the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
What it’s like to grow
Gai lan is easy and quick for a cool room or season. Its two common troubles are familiar brassica ones: aphids clustering under the leaves, and fast bolting in warm spells, which is the cue to harvest promptly. Pick the main stalk early and let the side shoots come. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so the pot is safe around pets.
What to expect
First harvest in about 50–70 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Tips
- Harvest the main stem before the buds open for the sweetest stalks.
- Keep it cool; heat turns it tougher and more bitter.
- Leave the base and side shoots come for a second cut.
Common problems
- Aphids clustering under the leaves.
- Bolting fast in warm spells.
Common questions
Is Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli toxic to cats and dogs?
Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA (Brassica, non-toxic).
How much light does Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli need?
Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli?
Water Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli need?
Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli is happiest around 10–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about -2 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 50–70 days from sowing under good conditions. Grown for its thick, sweet stems and leaves; cut the main stalk and side shoots follow for a second pick.
Can I grow Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli without a sunny window?
Yes. Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli get?
An upright leafy plant ~0.3–0.4 m tall; space several across a pot.
How do I propagate Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli?
Sow seed directly and thin to spacing.
What pests affect Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli?
Watch for aphids, flea beetles and cabbage caterpillars. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli easy to grow?
Yes. Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Gai Lan / Chinese Broccoli
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY). Care info last updated 2026-06-08.