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
ermination
Sow 1-2 seeds 1/2" deep and 1/2" apart in rows, with 6" between rows.
Cover with 1/4" soil, press gently and water well.
Thinning
When plants have 1-2 true leaves, thin to 1" spacing: remove any plants closer than 1" to allow remaining plants to grow.
At 3-4 true leaves, thin to 3" spacing.
Maintenance
Cultivate regularly and remove weeds.
Watering: allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent rot or disease issues.
Harvest
Harvest at 10-12" height (30-40 days after sowing if sow in spring, 50-80 days if sow in autumn).
