Bac Ha is not just an ornamental plant but can be an ingredient in cuisines. This nutritious plant or veggie can be grown at home.
Bac ha is a broad, lightweight green stem that can reach up to 4-5 feet long. The inside white to-cream flesh is porous with a web-like texture similar to styrofoam. The flavor is grassy, mild, celery-like taste. This vegetable is available year-round. Read more about it and how to grow Bac Ha in this guide.
USDA Zones: 9b-11
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What is Bac Ha?
Also known as Zuiki or Hasu-imo in Japan, Dọc Mùng in Vietnam, Bac Ha (Colocasia gigantea) is native to southern Vietnam; this herbaceous perennial plant produces large, heart-shaped green leaves. The name Bac Ha implies ‘silver colored stalk’; it belongs to the taro plant, commonly known as Giant Taro due to its large size.
Contrary to taro, Bac Ha is primarily grown for its stems instead of its roots or leaves. The vegetable contains oxalic acid, which may lead to allergic reactions such as itching; however, peeling the vegetable before use can mitigate this effect. To further reduce oxalic acid, it is often cooked or soaked in salt water before consumption. As a precautionary measure, wearing gloves is recommended when handling Bac Ha. Beyond its culinary uses, Bac Ha is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in home gardens, valued for both its distinctive leaves and its yellow-white, calla lily-like flowers.
Bac Ha is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, and calcium.
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How to Propagate Bac Ha
You can propagate Bac Ha through division in spring or early summer. Select a healthy, mature plant and dig up the whole plant without damaging the roots. Divide the clumps into small parts with a portion of the roots and stems. Use clean, sharp pruning shears.
Plant the clumps in well-draining soil in a location with partial shade to full sun. Water the plant gently and keep the soil moist in the initial weeks of growth.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Bac Ha
Location
Bac ha prefers bright, indirect light, keep it in an area with dappled or filtered sunlight. Protect the plant from harsh, direct sunlight. The ideal spot will be an east or west-facing window.
Soil
Use well-draining soil, ideally a mix of potting mix, compost, and perlite in equal proportion. It helps water drainage and holds nutrients. The ideal pH range will be 6.0-7.0.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and water the plants when the top soil turns dry to touch. Use a hose or watering can for watering; it will not disturb the soil. Change the watering frequency according to the size of the plant and environment.
Temperature
It favors a temperature range between 65-85 F. Protect your plant from a temperature below 50 F as it is susceptible to cold. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as they can stress the plant.
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Bac Ha Care
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the growing season every 4-6 weeks. Go for a plant food with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. In fall and winter dormancy, reduce feeding to every 8-10 weeks to promote healthy growth.
Do remember that over-fertilization can cause an imbalance of nutrients. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Pests and Diseases
Pests like aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, and whiteflies can attack the plant. When it comes to diseases, you may encounter root rot, leaf spot, bacterial leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
For prevention and control, keep an eye on the signs of pests and diseases. Separate the new plants before including them in the garden. Keep proper space for air circulation. Always water at the base of the plant and avoid leaves from wetting. Do not overfeed the plant, as it draws pests.
In case of severe problems, take the help of organic or chemical treatments by following the labeled instructions.
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How to Cook with Bac Ha
It is used in soups and stir-fries. This vegetable is also commonly added to Vietnamese cuisines like Canh Chua.
Before adding it to dishes, soak Bac Ha in salted water for 5 minutes and then drain, or opt for steaming or boiling until soft. When cooked, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of other ingredients, similar to the sponge gourd vegetable. It pairs well with miso, fish sauce, tamarind, ginger, lemongrass, coconut milk, red chilies, coriander, and sugar. It complements fish, shrimp, and chicken dishes. To store, place it in a bag in the refrigerator, where it remains fresh for up to a week.