How to Grow Tatsoi

Start tatsoi seeds three weeks before the final spring frost. If you are able to find bedding plants, wait until the final frost has passed. If you start seeds, fill a nursery flat with a quality potting soil, water it and broadcast the seeds over the surface. Cover with ¼-inch potting soil and keep in a partly sunny, protected location until plants are about 1-inch tall.

Amend the soil in a partly sunny location by digging in 1 part of organic compost to each 4 parts of soil. Organic materials such as fallen leaves also adds fertility to the soil. Tatsoi favors soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, or mildly acidic.

Shovel out planting holes large enough to accommodate the root systems of the seedlings or bedding plants. Make holes 4 to 6 inches apart. Set one plant into each hole, tucking it in with the amended soil. Water with a sprinkler for about 20 minutes.

Give tatsoi regular, even irrigation throughout its growing season to prevent it from tasting bitter.

Fertilize tatsoi plants with a balanced plant food once each month, starting about one month after planting them. Follow the label instructions for dosage details.

Spray the plants with insecticidal soap if aphids become bothersome. Scatter iron phosphate or diatomaceous earth on the soil surrounding the plants to control slugs and snails. Follow the label instructions for application details.