Very quick and easy to grow for tender 'baby' salad leaves or large, mature plants with crisp, crunchy stems. Delicious in authentic oriental dishes, salad and stir-fries. Prefers rich, well drained soil.

Sow outdoors in May to September

In prepared seed bed
Sow thinly in rows 25cm (10in) apart
For baby leaves sow thinly direct in pots or containers at least 30cm (12in) in diameter and 25cm (10in) deep
Cover with 1.5cm of fine soil
Firm gently and keep moist
Seedling appear 14-21 days
For continuous crops sow every 2-3 weeks
When large enough thin to 20cm (8in) apart
For baby leaves thin to 5cm (2cm) apart
Keep moist and weed free at all times
Harvest in May to October
Harvest mature plants from June
Pick baby leaves as required, a few from each plant to encourage re-growth
Will re-grow for up to 4 cuts
For easy access grow as baby leaves in patio containers