DESCRIPTION
Chinese Toon Seeds - North Red - Heirloom
Other Common Names: Chinese mahogany, Chinese cedar, Chinese toon, beef and onion plant, or red toon.
How to Grow Chinese Toon Greens
The germination rate will increase if you soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Sow seeds in the springtime. Tend as you would any young plant. Seeds sown close together should be thinned to allow adequate room for growth. Transplant in the fall if desired. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid standing water near roots. If you are hoping for a perennial to harvest consistently, prune back yearly. Established plants tolerate most winters very well.
Harvesting Chinese Toon Greens
Only the young leaves are typically eaten. Harvest when they are still purplish or red. A yearly harvest in springtime is possible if you continue to tend to the plant.
Culinary Tips
Their uniquely aromatic scent and excellent flavor are for stir fry (especially with egg), salad, frying, pickling, seasoning, etc. The young leaves are traditionally used to make a condiment called Toona Paste which is often served with rice.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“Unique perennial vegetables are my weakness! And, as an amateur home cook, I would highly suggest using Chinese Toon for its flavor profile and health benefits which are irresistible.”
Seeds Per Package
- 3 g packet - Approximately 900 Seeds
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Toona sinensis A. juss
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| Chinese Toon Greens Color: |
Lightly purple to green new leaves. Solid green old leaves.
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| Chinese Toon Greens Flavor: |
Savory. Some say it tastes like beef and onions.
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Growing Info
| Days to Germination: |
6-14 Days
|
| Seeding Depth: |
1/4" or less |
| Row Spacing: |
15-30 |
| Plant Height: |
50-80ft |
| Growth Habit: |
Tree-like but can be bushy with pruning. |
| Soil Preference: |
Adapts easily to various soil types but prefers moist, well-draining.
|
| Temperature Preference: |
Tolerant to low temperatures, proper protection is needed to survive the extreme winter temperatures in some areas of Canada and the northern states of the US.
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Other
| Plant Width: |
15-30ft |
| Pests and Disease: |
Not known to attract any common diseases or pests. Keep weeds down while plants are young. Can be a target to deer but once they mature, it’s usually not a problem.
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