asian greens
pak choi mustard greens gai lan
Mini varieties of pak choi are ideal for small hydroponic systems .
Hydroponic raft system used to grow mustard .
Gai lan is hand-harvested once its yellow or white flowers form .
Pak choi ( Brassica rapa spp . Chinensis ), also known as bok choy , is one of the most widely recognized Asian greens . With a mild mustard flavor and thick , succulent stems , it ’ s commonly used in stir fries and soups . Pak choi has both green- and white-stemmed varieties , a wide range of sizes , and those suited to baby leaf production . Newer red varieties of pak choi have an intense purple color that adds contrast to many dishes and an attractive appearance to any mixed hydroponic system . Hydroponic growers should select compact F1 hybrid types of pak choi to avoid issues with plants becoming overly tall , as well as those with resistance to bolting . While pak choi is considered a cooler season plant , these will perform well in most growroom situations if grown rapidly and harvested young .
There are many types of mustard greens , including red varieties and those with large savoyed leaves . Mustard is grown for its characteristic hot , spicy flavor . This heat varies considerably between cultivars and with plant maturity and growing conditions . Many mustard types are traditionally used as pickling vegetables , but those grown as baby leaf and rapid-growing micro greens are used in fresh salads . Hydro-grown mustard requires a relatively low EC to prevent excessive peppery flavors from developing and to help prevent bolting . An EC of 1.0-1.2 is suitable , but this can be reduced if required . Many mustard cultivars are also prone to bolting under warmer growing conditions , so consider these cool-season crops . Selecting slowbolt varieties and harvesting leaves while the plants are still young also helps largely avoid this problem .
“ There are many more exciting and lesser-known
Asian greens to be explored and experimented with in the hydroponic system and the kitchen .”
Gai lan ( Brassica oleracea var . alboglabra ), also known as Chinese kale or Chinese broccoli , is characterized by long , thick , tender green stems . It has a mild flavor lightly reminiscent of broccoli with slightly bitter overtones . This traditional green is commonly used raw in salads , steamed , or lightly cooked in a similar way to broccoli . Gai lan shoots are individually hand-harvested by snapping it at the base once its yellow or white flowers have formed , but before it ’ s too mature . While gai lan is becoming a popular hydroponic crop , it requires more space than most other compact Asian greens . The plants spread up to 16 inches in diameter and can reach 18 inches tall by the time the flower buds develop and the stems are suitably thick for harvesting . Gai lan grows rapidly under warm growing conditions ( 64-82˚F ), though there are varieties that can be selected for cool cropping conditions .
There are many more exciting and lesser-known Asian greens to be explored and experimented with in the hydroponic system and the kitchen . What ’ s more , new varieties are continually developed to offer improved colors , faster production times , higher yields , and adaptation to a wider range of growing conditions . Given the diversity , range of flavor , and attractive appearance of Asian greens , it is worth reserving a little space for them in any indoor garden .
62 grow cycle