Startup costs

Seed or transplants, bed prep, irrigation, harvest bins, wash-pack setup, and insect protection are common startup costs. Protected culture can help with shoulder-season production. Good cooling capacity is useful because quality is tied closely to freshness.

Ongoing costs

Labor is moderate because the crop requires planting, weeding, insect scouting, harvest, trimming, washing, and bunching or packing. Repeated small plantings are common to avoid glut and bolting. Moisture management and cooling are important ongoing needs.

Yield & how it sells

Usually sold by the head, bunch, or by weight for baby product. Productivity per area can be good with short crop times in cool weather. Value depends on uniform size, clean petioles, and harvesting before bolting or weather damage.

What makes it profitable

Usually a moderate margin crop, sometimes higher in markets with strong demand for Asian greens. It works well at farmers markets, CSA, restaurants, and local retail that can move it quickly. For many farms it is a useful specialty crop rather than a broad-volume staple.

Financial risks

Flea beetles, caterpillars, bolting, and heat stress can quickly reduce quality. Heads that are too large, split, or dirty become harder to sell. Short shelf life means slow turnover can lead to losses.

Tips to improve returns

Use frequent successions and harvest on the small to medium side for better consistency. Match variety to season because bolting risk changes fast with day length and temperature. Use your local Cooperative Extension and Small Business Development Center to budget insect protection, harvest timing, and real local demand.

General planning information, not financial or investment advice, and not a guarantee of profit. For real budgets, work with your Cooperative Extension office and local Small Business Development Center. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.