Chinese Toon Tree- North Red 30 Seeds

Chinese Toon North Red Seeds – Toona sinensis

Grow Chinese Toon ‘North Red’, a vigorous-growing perennial tree valued for its distinctive reddish-purple young leaves and tender shoots. Known as Hsiang Chun Ya in Chinese cuisine, the young foliage is harvested as a traditional vegetable with a bold, aromatic flavor. This heirloom, non-GMO variety is an interesting addition to edible landscapes and specialty food gardens.

Key Details

• Botanical Name: Toona sinensis

• Common Name: Chinese Toon, Chinese Mahogany

• Variety: North Red

• Seed Type: Heirloom, non-GMO

• Plant Type: Perennial deciduous hardwood tree

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 40–50 days for young shoots under suitable growing conditions

• Foliage Color: Reddish-purple young growth, becoming greener as leaves mature

• USDA Zones: Generally 5–9, depending on local conditions

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright tree

• Frost Tolerance: Established trees tolerate winter cold; protect young seedlings from hard freezes

• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established; young plants need regular watering

Features

• 🌱 Produces attractive reddish-purple young foliage

• 🍃 Young leaves and shoots are used as a traditional vegetable known as Hsiang Chun Ya

• 🌳 Perennial tree that can provide edible growth over many years

• 🌿 Suitable for edible landscapes and specialty gardens

• 🌞 Grows best with adequate sunlight and fertile soil

Growing Information

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, loose, fluffy, and well-draining

• Soil pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5

• Seed Depth: Lightly cover with soil

• Germination Time: Variable; warmth and consistent moisture help

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and early growth, but never soggy

Sow fresh seeds for best results, as viability may decline during storage. Keep any unused seeds in a cool, dry place, but immediate use is recommended. Provide warmth, light, and consistent moisture while seedlings establish. Choose a planting location with room for a tree to grow and develop.

Plant Care & Harvest

Water regularly while young and mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture. Once established, Chinese Toon can become a vigorous tree and may require pruning to maintain a manageable size and encourage accessible young shoots.

Harvest only the tender young leaves and shoots, using a reliable food-preparation method appropriate for Chinese Toon. Avoid eating unidentified plant parts or assuming that all growth stages are equally suitable for consumption.

Note: Chinese Toon is a long-lived hardwood tree, not a quick-maturing annual vegetable. The stated 40–50 days refers to a potential young-shoot harvest under favorable conditions, not the time required to grow a mature tree.