Bok Choy Growing Guide

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

Bok Choy

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Bok choy can tolerate light frost, but exposure to cold temperatures in spring can trigger early bolting. In autumn, exposure to light frost can improve bok choy's flavor.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting.

Companions

Often grown with lettuce, mustard, kale, escarole, tatsoi, mizuna and other greens found in oriental salad mixtures. Miniature varieties are available for square foot gardens and containers.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 20cm (7") with 25cm (9") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow bok choy in spring and again in late summer for harvest in autumn. Sow in double rows, with rows spaced 10 inches (25 cm) apart. Plant seeds 2 inches (5 cm) apart and barely cover them with soil. Gradually thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Miniature varieties can be grown 3 inches (8 cm) apart.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Also spelled pac choi, this lovely little mustard cousin is fast and easy to grow.

Harvesting

Pull whole plants for use in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting

Flea beetles often chew small holes in bok choy leaves in spring, but are less of a problem in the fall.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Bok Choy