Shepherd’s Purse Seeds – Ji Cai

Shepherd’s Purse, known as Ji Cai in Chinese, is a cool-season leafy plant valued for its tender leaves and mild, peppery flavor. It is commonly grown for its nutritious greens, ideal for soups, stir-fries, and salads. This fast-growing plant thrives in mild climates and can be easily cultivated in home gardens or small-scale farms.

Features and Specifications:

• Plant Type: Leafy annual plant

• Variety Name: Ji Cai (Shepherd’s Purse)

• Growth Habit: Upright with small lobed leaves

• Maturity: 30–45 days from sowing

• Growing Season: Cool season crop; best grown in spring and fall

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9

• Sowing Months:

  • Zones 4–6: March–May, September–October

  • Zones 7–9: February–April, October–November

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention

• Watering: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist

• Harvest: Young leaves can be harvested regularly for fresh use

• Uses: Suitable for soups, stir-fries, and salads