Chrysanthemum Seeds,
Big Leaf Tong Ho
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Description
This is one of those old kitchen greens that has fed people quietly for generations. Big Leaf Tong Ho has been grown across China for centuries, prized for its broad, tender leaves and its ability to carry rich, savory flavor into everyday cooking. In the U.S., it became known as “Chop Suey greens,” a name tied to early Chinese-American kitchens where it helped shape a whole style of cooking. The leaves are thick, juicy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for stir-fries, soups, and broths—while the large edible flowers, reaching up to 3 inches across, are considered a true delicacy. They can be dipped in tempura, scattered over salads, or steeped into traditional chrysanthemum tea. As the plant matures, the leaves grow smaller but never lose their flavor, sending up tall flowering stalks that make it just as beautiful as it is useful. It’s a plant that bridges garden and kitchen, carrying real cultural history in every bite.
Plant Details
- Botanical Name
- Glebionis coronaria
- Sun Requirement
- Full sun
- Days to Germinate
- 10–14
- Planting Depth
- ¼ in.
- Plant Spacing
- 8–18 in.
- Ideal Temperature
- 65–70°F
- Frost Hardy
- No
Growing Guide
When to Grow
How to Sow and Plant
How to Grow
How to Save Seeds
FAQ
When do I pick the leaves?
Harvest leaves when plants are about a foot tall, or gather new growth as it comes. The hand-sized leaves on younger plants are huge and will be smaller once the plant sends up its tall flower stalks, but they are equally tasty. They are thick and crunchy with a scrumptious savory flavor, and in America they are traditionally known as "Chop Suey Greens."
Are the flowers edible too?
Yes. Tall plants produce tons of large, edible blooms that reach 3 inches across. Try them lightly fried tempura style, sprinkled atop salads, or steeped into the famous Chrysanthemum tea. They also make great cut flowers.
What growing conditions does Big Leaf Tong Ho want?
Plants tolerate a range of soil conditions but do best in rich, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. Space them 8 to 18 inches apart. Seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days, and the plant has no known major pests or diseases.
