Spinach Mustard Hybrid (misome)

Spinach Mustard Hybrid (misome)

Scientific Name:
Brassica campestris var. narinosa

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

• Narinosa (ID: 201)

Introduction

Brassica campestris var. narinosa, often referred to as Tatsoi or Brassica rapa var. narinosa, is a variety of the Brassicaceae family. It is closely related to bok choy and is an Asian variety of Brassica rapa. This plant is valued for its dark green, spoon-shaped leaves that form a thick rosette, offering a mild yet distinctive flavor. The name “Tatsoi” literally means “dark drooping vegetable” in Chinese. It is cultivated worldwide for its edible greens and is popular in both Asian and North American cuisine.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Tatsoi has dark green, spoon-shaped leaves that form a rosette. It grows to about 10 inches tall and spreads up to 16 inches. The leaves have a soft, creamy texture and a subtle flavor.
• Growing Conditions: Tatsoi performs well in cooler temperatures and can be planted in the spring or late summer into fall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and average to evenly moist soil conditions. It is not particular about soil pH but thrives in rich soils. It can withstand temperatures down to –10 °C (15 °F).
• Lifecycle: Tatsoi is an annual plant that matures in about 45 to 50 days. It is suitable for successive plantings to extend the harvest period.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Tatsoi could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: It is rich in vitamins C and A, folic acid, calcium, and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to space diets. - Growth Conditions: Its ability to thrive in controlled environments with minimal space requirements makes it suitable for hydroponic or aeroponic systems often used in space agriculture. - Adaptability: Tatsoi can grow in cooler temperatures and can be harvested from under snow, indicating potential adaptability to controlled space environments.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Brassica campestris var. narinosa or Tatsoi in space. However, other Brassicaceae family members, like lettuce and radishes, have been grown in space as part of experiments to develop sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions. The principles learned from these experiments could potentially be applied to cultivating Tatsoi in space.

References: - Tatsoi - Roger’s Gardens - Tatsoi - Wikipedia - [Note: Specific references to space cultivation of Tatsoi are not available, but general principles from related Brassicaceae family members apply.]