How to Grow Tokyo Bekana
Brassica rapa var. chinensis
Tokyo Bekana is a versatile Asian mustard green prized for its tender leaves and rapid growth. Gardeners cultivate this cool-season brassica to enjoy fresh greens early in spring or late autumn when other crops are dormant.
Starting Tokyo Bekana: indoors or direct sow?
🏠 Start indoors 3 weeks before your last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside.
If starting indoors, move sturdy seedlings outdoors once the risk of hard frost has passed, handling roots gently to preserve soil contact.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. As a cool-season crop, sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date, as they tolerate light freezing temperatures. Press seeds lightly into the soil at a depth of about half an inch. You can expect germination within 4 to 7 days under these conditions.
Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and leaf development. While this variety does not require trellising, keep the soil consistently moist with high water needs, especially during dry spells. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling it against the stems.
Monitor for flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms; use row covers or insecticidal soap for control. Prevent clubroot and downy mildew by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest leaves when they reach desired size, typically within 21 to 45 days after sowing, simply snipping them off as needed.
When to Plant Tokyo Bekana
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | April – May | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | April – May | May – July | June – September |
| Zone 3 | March – April | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | April – June | May – October |
| Zone 5 | February – March | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 6 | February – March | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | March – May | April – November |
| Zone 8 | January – February | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | January | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | January | January – March | February – December |
| Zone 11 | January | January – February | January – December |
| Zone 12 | January | January – February | January – December |
| Zone 13 | January | January – February | January – December |
Companion Plants for Tokyo Bekana
✓ Good companions
Different root depth reduces competition and may help improve soil structure
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage pests
Natural fungicide properties and repels flea beetles that attack brassicas
Fast-growing companion that maximizes space usage and doesn't compete for nutrients
Acts as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, drawing them away from bekana
Strong scent deters cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests
Quick harvest allows succession planting and may help break up soil
Similar growing requirements and helps utilize garden space efficiently
✗ Keep away from
Can create too much shade for sun-loving bekana and compete for nitrogen
Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt growth of leafy brassicas
Allelopathic compounds can inhibit brassica growth and development
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
