Troubleshooting
Purple Choy Sum problems — and how to fix them
Purple Choy Sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Purple') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Faded colour
Low light or warm conditions wash out the purple pigment. Grow in full sun and cool seasons for the deepest colouration.
Bolting
Heat and stress push fast flowering and bitter stems. Sow in cool weather, keep moist, and harvest stems before full bloom.
Aphids
Hide among coloured stem tips and buds, where they are easy to miss. Inspect closely, rinse off, or treat with insecticidal soap.
Flea beetles
Pit young leaves with small holes. Protect seedlings with fine mesh and grow them on quickly.
Prevent purple choy sum problems before they start
Most purple choy sum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for purple choy sum in general rather than its problems? Read the full purple choy sum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Purple Choy Sum problems — FAQ
Why is my purple choy sum faded colour?
Low light or warm conditions wash out the purple pigment. Grow in full sun and cool seasons for the deepest colouration.
Why is my purple choy sum bolting?
Heat and stress push fast flowering and bitter stems. Sow in cool weather, keep moist, and harvest stems before full bloom.
Why is my purple choy sum aphids?
Hide among coloured stem tips and buds, where they are easy to miss. Inspect closely, rinse off, or treat with insecticidal soap.
Why is my purple choy sum flea beetles?
Pit young leaves with small holes. Protect seedlings with fine mesh and grow them on quickly.