VegetableBroccoli
Wan Shen Chinese Broccoli
Wan Shen Chinese Broccoli is a heirloom gai lan that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your garden. This tender, nutrient-dense green thrives in both warm and cool seasons, reaching 12-18 inches tall and ready to harvest in 60-69 days. What makes Wan Shen particularly valuable is its reluctance to bolt early, even when temperatures cool, combined with its large, tender leaves and short, thick, crisp stems that are loaded with vitamin A, potassium, and folic acid. Hardy across zones 2-10, it's one of the most popular green vegetables in traditional Chinese cooking.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Growth Stats
18 in
Height
TypeUpright
Spacing
14
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
18in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
Wan Shen earns its place as a kitchen staple because it resists the urge to bolt prematurely when temperatures drop, a trait that allows gardeners in variable climates to enjoy extended harvests. The large tender leaves paired with thick, crisp stems create a satisfying texture that stands out from other leafy greens. Its nutrient density rivals any superfood, while its easy-going nature and proven heirloom pedigree make it reliable even for beginning vegetable gardeners.
Common Uses
Wan Shen Chinese Broccoli excels in the wok and on the steaming plate. The tender leaves and crisp stems are best suited to quick cooking methods that preserve their texture: stir-fries with garlic and soy sauce, light steaming with oyster sauce, or simple blanching followed by a drizzle of sesame oil. Its nutrient profile makes it equally valuable as a raw addition to salads or as a cooked side dish that brings both substance and sophistication to the table.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow seeds directly into the garden. As a cool-season annual, Wan Shen germinates best in moderate temperatures and matures quickly once established. Time sowings for early spring or late summer to take advantage of cooler growing conditions.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting when plants reach a usable size, typically 60-69 days after sowing. Pinch or cut the central head first to encourage branching and continued leaf production. Individual leaves can be harvested as needed, or wait for the entire plant to fill out before harvesting larger quantities. The crisp stems indicate peak tenderness and should be harvested before the plant begins to bolt.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea var alboglabra
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Wan Shen carries the weight of centuries of Chinese agricultural tradition. As one of the most popular green vegetables in Chinese cuisine, this heirloom variety represents generations of seed saving and cultivation across Asian growing regions. Its journey to Western gardens reflects the global recognition of Asian vegetables and the work of seed companies committed to preserving non-GMO heirloom cultivars that embody both cultural heritage and practical growing wisdom.”