Kailan / Chinese Broccoli

Days to harvest

40–60 days

Sunlight

4–8 hours/day

Watering

5–7 per day

Plant spacing

20 cm

Minimum container size

25cm deep × 25cm wide

Container-friendly

4 plants per container

Estimated yield

275 kg / 100m²

Life span

annual

Climate Requirements

Ideal temperature

18-28 °C

Annual rainfall

800-1500 mm

Humidity

65-80%

Heat tolerance

low

Drought tolerance

low

Moderately heat-sensitive. Urban heat island in KL can cause early bolting. Provide partial shade and maintain consistent moisture. Harvest young for best quality.

Soil & Planting

Companion Plants

• Garlicstrong

  Garlic sulfur compounds repel cabbage white butterfly and aphids from kailan

• Red Onionstrong

  Onion border deters cabbage worms and flea beetles from Brassica kailan

• Spring Onionmoderate

  Spring onion interplanted with kailan repels Brassica-specific pests

• Lettucemoderate

  Lettuce provides ground shade between kailan rows; compatible water needs

Plants to Avoid Nearby

• Cherry Tomato

  Tomato allelopathic root exudates suppress Brassica germination and early growth

Common Pests & Diseases

Safety Notes

Cruciferous vegetable — diamondback moth major pest. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) as organic control. Observe 7-day PHI for any pesticide. Wash leaves thoroughly — pests hide in leaf folds.

Market Demand

Very High — premium Chinese restaurant staple (kailan oyster sauce); daily wet market commodity

Regional Notes

Cameron Highlands primary producer. Upscale restaurant demand at RM 4-8/kg. Consistent year-round demand with no seasonality.

Sources

• Vegetable Growing Guide for Malaysia — DOA Malaysia · Last reviewed: 2026-04-12