Growing Guide · Greens
Asian greens
for aquaponics
Leafy greens are the backbone of most aquaponic operations. At Akari Farms we focus on Asian brassicas and greens — bok choy, tatsoi, komatsuna, water spinach, and shungiku — that were bred over centuries in wet, nutrient-dense conditions almost identical to what a DWC raft system provides.
Variety comparison
| Variety | Days | System | Level | Seeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bok Choy白菜 · bai cai · cải thảo | 35–50 | DWC MB | Easy | Buy |
| Tatsoi塌菜 · ta cai · spoon mustard | 30–45 | DWC | Easy | Buy |
| Komatsuna小松菜 · Japanese mustard spinach | 30–40 | DWC | Easiest | Buy |
| Water Spinach空心菜 · kangkong · rau muống | 21–30 | DWC | Easy | Buy |
| Garland Chrysanthemum春菊 shungiku · 茼蒿 tong ho · 쑥갓 ssukgat | 30–45 | DWC MB | Easy | Buy |
| Mizuna水菜 · Japanese mustard greens | 25–40 | DWC | Easiest | Buy |
| Napa Cabbage大白菜 · baechu · cải thảo | 50–70 | MB | Intermediate | Buy |
| Gai Lan芥蘭 · Chinese broccoli · kai-lan | 45–60 | DWC MB | Easy | Buy |
| Butterhead LettuceButtercrunch · Bibb · Boston | 45–55 | DWC | Easiest | Buy |
Why DWC raft is the ideal system for Asian greens
How a DWC raft works
A DWC raft system fills a channel or tank with fish water and floats a foam board on the surface. Plants sit in net cups punched through the board with their roots dangling freely in nutrient-rich water. Roots have constant access to nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and moisture — the ideal conditions for rapid leaf production.
A single 4×8ft DWC raft holds 32 net cups at 6-inch spacing. With a staggered planting schedule — seeding a new flat every two weeks — you can harvest Asian greens continuously. Aerate aggressively: Asian greens in DWC need dissolved oxygen above 6 mg/L.