The Chinese toon tree, which is deciduous and capable of withstanding harsh winters, is very cold and resilient. The young, soft leaves of the Beef and Onion Plant, also known as Chinese Toon, are prized as a distinctive vegetable and herb. The young leaves, which have a savoury flavour that will remind you of beef and onions, are being used parboiled or stir-fried in a wide range of dishes. They are a main staple in Southeast Asia.Don’t be alarmed by the tree’s potential size; it can be conveniently trimmed and managed to stay at a reasonable size for regular cultivation of its tender growth, and some people even grow them as potted patio plants. It is a decorative tree in its own right, growing to 80 feet in height and embellished with pinnate leaves that spring up in a fantastic bronze colour.
Growing Information
Grow Toona in a sheltered position in full sun. Toona enjoys a well drained, rich, fertile soil.
Sowing Information
Sow seeds in trays or pots of good quality compost around 5cm (2″) apart in good quality compost all year round. Keep on a sunny windowsill or propagator at 18-21°C (64-70°F). When big enough to handle, transplant into individual 10cm (4″) pots and grow on indoors. Plants can be overwintered indoors and planted out in the garden next spring if larger plants are required. Grow and harvest as a baby leaf all year round, or grow on in your garden and harvest new shoots in spring. Leaves can be harvested when there is a minimum of 4 true leaves.
