Komatsuna is a highly nutritive and productive leafy green commonly found in Japanese cuisine. The name Tatsu means both "dragon," for its ability to withstand high heat, and "to stand," as it was selected for upright, dark green plants.
Cooking with Tatsu
Komatsuna can be used similarly to spinach, though it has a softer texture and cooks more quickly. Common for stir-fry, blanched, in soups or salads.
Can also be quick-pickled.
Growing Details
Suitable temperature for germination: 70-85℉
Suitable temperature for growing: 60-80℉
Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
Days to maturity: 30-40 days (spring sowing), 50-80 days (fall sowing) from sowing
Germination
Sow every 1/2" spacing x 1/2" deep, 6" between rows.
Cover with 1/5" soil, press gently and water well.
Cover with vinyl tunnel if you sow in winter to prevent cold disorders.
Thinning
Thin two times: 1. when 1-2 true leaves established, thin to 1.2-1.6" spacing, 2. when 3-4 true leaves established, thin to 2-2.4" spacing.
Maintenance
After thinning, add fertilizer and intertill.
Water well when the soil is dry.
Harvest
Harvest when the length reached 10-12" (30-40 days after sowing if sow in spring, 50-80 days if sow in autumn).
