Overview
Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is a popular asian green. Sauté or steam mature stem and leaves. Bok choy is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Conditions
For soil, use a fertile well-draining potting mix that’s tailored for vegetables. For the best quality leaves, provide full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight). Bok choy prefers cooler conditions for optimal growth (55-75°F), so plan to grow in early spring or fall/winter.
Planting
Use our grow calendar tool to find specific dates for your region! Seeds germinate in 7-10 days. Plant directly in the garden from early spring through midsummer. In warmer climates, bok choy is well adapted for fall plantings.
Bok choy can be grown for both baby greens as well as mature heads. For baby greens, plant outdoors directly in the garden, sowing densely in 2-4” bands. For full-sized mature heads, plant approximately 15 seeds per foot, thinning to 12” apart as seedlings grow.
Care
Bok choy requires a lot of nutrients from its soil, and it can quickly deplete the soil of nutrients. Prepare the soil in advance by mixing in additional organic matter (manure, compost, etc.).
Soil should be well-draining: roots that stand in water cause heads to rot.
Pests and Disease
Flea beetles can be controlled by covering with floating row covers from day of sowing.
Harvest
You may begin harvesting bok choy as soon as individual leaves are mature, or you can wait to harvest the entire plant all at once. For individual leaves, carefully pick from the outside. For whole heads, cut off the plant at soil level. Usable smaller leaves may sprout from the remaining crown if it is left in the ground.
