Kailan (Chinese Kale)
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
Malay names: Kailan
Heat-tolerant leafy brassica producing thick leaves and stems; good yield in hydro.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun to bright light (6 h+)
Temperature: 20–32°C
🪴 Container & Medium
Container: NFT/DWC/raft; 2–3 inch net pots; sturdy support for larger plants.
Medium / Solution: Medium: clay pebbles/rockwool; Solution: pH 5.8–6.5, EC 1.8–2.4 mS/cm
💧 Watering / Solution Maintenance
Schedule: Top-up daily; change every 7–10 days
Top-up: Top-up with water; adjust nutrients to target EC
pH 5.8–6.5; EC 1.8–2.4 mS/cm
🧪 Nutrients
Type: A+B vegetable nutrient; extra Ca/Mg if tip burn
Frequency: Monitor EC twice weekly; change 7–10 days
Dosage/EC: EC 1.8–2.4 mS/cm; pH 5.8–6.5
🍓 Harvest
Start: 5–7 weeks from sowing
Seasonality: Year-round; best yields in drier months
Duration: 3–5 week picking window
Harvest Indicators: Leaves 20–30 cm; stems thick but tender; flower buds compact
Tips: Cut central stem first, then side shoots for prolonged harvest.
🌱 Propagation
Seeds; transplant at 3–4 true leaves.
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Caterpillars/leaf miners: Fine mesh netting; BT; remove damaged leaves.
- Downy mildew: Shade + airflow; avoid leaf wetting; copper if severe.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Use 30–50% shade and airflow during monsoon to reduce disease.
📝 System Notes
Space 25–30 cm; support heavy stems if needed.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Add Ca (calcium nitrate) to reduce tip burn
- Keep reservoir cool and shaded
Note
EC and pH are guidelines—adjust to plant response and your water source. In monsoon humidity, increase airflow and reduce overcrowding to limit disease.