How to Grow Bok Choy: A Complete Growing Guide
Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is one of the most rewarding leafy greens you can grow.
With its tender green leaves and crisp white stalks, it’s both beautiful and useful in the kitchen. Even better? It grows fast, thrives in cool weather, and doesn’t demand much space.
Whether you’re working with a backyard plot or a few containers on a balcony, bok choy fits right in.
Chapters
- Comment faire pousser du bok choy ? [Tutoriel vidéo]
- Quand allez-vous planter ?
- Types et variétés de bok choy
- Variétés populaires : Toy Choy, Mei Qing Choi
- Où et quand planter le bok choy
- Besoins en sol et en lumière du bok choy
- Plantation et espacement du bok choy
- Entretien et maintenance du bok choy
- Ravageurs, maladies et problèmes courants du bok choy
- Récolte et conservation du bok choy
- Conseils pour une excellente récolte de bok choy
- Réflexions finales
- FAQ : Comment cultiver le bok choy
How to Grow Bok Choy [Video Tutorial]
Bok Choy Bistro Builder
Asian Greens Guide
When are you planting?
Bok Choy behaves differently in Spring vs. Fall.
Best Strategy:
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Stop the Flowers!
If it flowers, it tastes bitter. Here is how to prevent it.
1. Avoid Heat Shock
Sudden hot days trigger bolting. If a heatwave is coming, mulch heavily and use shade cloth to keep roots cool.
2. Consistent Water
Bok Choy has shallow roots. If the soil dries out completely, the plant panics and bolts. Keep soil moist like a sponge.
3. Timing
Don't plant too late in Spring! If days are getting longer (June), plant "slow-bolt" varieties like Mei Qing Choi.
Pick Perfect
You can harvest at two different stages.
Time: 30-40 Days.
Size: 6 inches tall.
Use: Sweetest flavor. Great raw in salads or halved on the grill.
Time: 45-60 Days.
Size: 12-18 inches tall.
Use: Thicker white stalks. Best for stir-fries and soups. Cut 1 inch above soil to regrow!
Cut the head off but leave the root base in the soil. It will often sprout new mini-leaves for a second harvest!
Bok Choy Types & Varieties
Before planting, it helps to choose the right type of bok choy for your space, climate, and cooking plans. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Full-Sized Bok Choy
This is the variety you’ll find in most grocery stores. It can grow up to 18 inches tall with thick white stems and wide, dark green leaves. It’s great for stir-fries and soups because of its hearty texture.
Popular Varieties: Joi Choi, White Stem, Canton
Baby Bok Choy
These are smaller and more tender. Baby bok choy matures faster, usually in under 40 days, and has a slightly sweeter flavor. It’s perfect for salads, roasting, or light sautéing.
Popular Varieties: Toy Choy, Mei Qing Choi
Heat-Resistant Varieties
If you’re growing in warmer climates or planting late in the season, look for bolt-resistant types that hold up better in the heat. These varieties stay compact and are slower to flower.
Good Picks: Green Revolution, Summer Choi
Rosette-Forming or Mini Greens
These types form low, leafy rosettes instead of upright heads. They’re tender and fast-growing, often harvested like lettuce. These are ideal for dense planting or smaller gardens.
Where & When to Plant Bok Choy
Bok choy is a cool-weather crop. Timing and placement are key if you want it to grow well and avoid bolting.
When to Plant Bok Choy
- Spring: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked and temperatures stay above freezing. Aim for early spring to give it plenty of time before warmer weather arrives.
- Fall: This is often the best time to grow bok choy. Cooler temperatures reduce stress and the risk of bolting. Start seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected frost.
- Winter (Mild Climates): In frost-free zones or with protection, bok choy can be grown right through winter.
Where to Plant Bok Choy
Choose a spot with plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours daily. Partial shade can be helpful in hotter areas to reduce heat stress. Bok choy works well in:
- Raised beds
- Garden rows
- Containers or grow bags
If using containers, choose pots at least 8–10 inches deep and wide enough to give the plants room to spread.
Bok Choy Soil & Light Requirements
Healthy soil and the right amount of light will make a big difference in how your bok choy performs.
Sunlight
Aim for full sun, but in warmer regions, partial afternoon shade can actually help reduce stress and delay bolting. A balance between sun exposure and temperature moderation is ideal.
Soil
Bok choy prefers:
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Rich in organic matter
- pH between 6.0 and 7.5
Add compost or aged manure before planting. This improves both nutrition and moisture retention. Avoid compacted or soggy soil, which can lead to root rot and fungal problems.
Bok Choy Planting & Spacing
| Stage | Seed Depth | Seed Spacing | Plant Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct sowing | ≈ ¼–½ inch (~0.5–1 cm) | Seeds just a few inches apart (≈2–4 in / 5–10 cm) | Thin to about 6–12 in (15–30 cm) between mature plants |
| Transplanting seedlings | Same depth as in seed tray | Space seedlings to allow for full growth (≈ 6–12 in / 15–30 cm) | Rows spaced ~ 18–30 in (45–75 cm) if multiple rows |
Direct Sowing Bok Choy
Sow seeds about one-quarter to one-half inch deep. Space seeds a few inches apart. Once seedlings appear, thin them to about 6 to 12 inches apart depending on the variety. Thinning is important to allow enough airflow and room for growth.
Transplanting Bok Choy
If starting indoors, transplant seedlings when they are about 3 to 4 inches tall. Be gentle with the roots and plant them at the same depth they were in their seed trays.
Bok Choy Row and Container Spacing
Give each plant about 6 to 12 inches of space. If planting in rows, space them about 18 to 30 inches apart. In containers, you can grow one full-sized bok choy per 10-inch pot or multiple baby varieties in a larger trough-style container.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
To extend your harvest, plant new seeds every two to three weeks during the growing season. This staggered approach gives you a steady supply rather than one big harvest.
Bok Choy Care & Maintenance
Watering Bok Choy
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Inconsistent watering can cause stress that leads to early flowering or bitter flavor. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Fertilizing Bok Choy
Bok choy is a moderate feeder. Before planting, add compost or a balanced organic fertilizer. As plants grow, you can side-dress with compost or use a liquid feed every couple of weeks if growth slows down.
Mulching Bok Choy
Use straw, leaves, or grass clippings around the base of the plants. This suppresses weeds, maintains moisture, and helps regulate soil temperature — all good things for a healthy crop.
Thinning and Weeding Bok Choy
Thin crowded seedlings early to prevent overcrowding and poor air circulation. Keep the area around your plants weed-free so they’re not competing for water and nutrients.
Shade and Covering Bok Choy
In warmer regions or mid-summer planting, consider using row covers or shade cloth to protect young plants from intense sun or drying winds.
Bok Choy Pests, Diseases & Common Problems
Bok Choy Common Pests
- Flea Beetles: Tiny holes in leaves are usually the giveaway. Use row covers and sticky traps early in the season.
- Cabbage Worms & Loopers: Look for green worms under leaves. Handpick or use organic sprays like BT (Bacillus thuringiensis).
- Aphids: These little sap-suckers can cluster on stems. Blast them off with water or use neem oil if needed.
- Slugs and Snails: Particularly in damp conditions. Beer traps, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth can help.
Bok Choy Diseases
- Downy Mildew: Yellow patches and fuzzy white mold under leaves. Good air circulation helps prevent it.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause this. Make sure soil dries slightly between waterings.
- Black Rot: A bacterial issue that can be avoided with clean tools and crop rotation.
Bok Choy Bolting
One of the most common frustrations with bok choy is bolting, when the plant flowers too early. It’s usually caused by:
- Sudden temperature shifts
- Lack of water
- Planting too late in spring
Once a plant bolts, the leaves become bitter. Remove bolted plants and try replanting during cooler weather.
Harvesting & Storing Bok Choy
When to Harvest Bok Choy
Bok choy can be harvested at multiple stages:
- Baby Stage: 30 to 40 days after sowing
- Full Size: 45 to 60 days, depending on variety
Pick leaves individually or cut the whole head just above the soil line. If you leave the base intact, some varieties will regrow smaller leaves for a second harvest.
Best Time to Harvest Bok Choy
Mornings are ideal, when the plant is hydrated and crisp. Avoid harvesting during peak heat.
Bok Choy Storage
- Fresh use: Store unwashed in the fridge crisper drawer for up to one week.
- Longer term: Blanch and freeze if you want to store it for months.
Avoid washing until just before use to prevent premature spoilage.
Tips for a Great Bok Choy Crop
- Choose varieties based on season and climate.
- Water regularly and don’t let soil dry out.
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Watch for early signs of pests and treat quickly.
- Thin seedlings to give plants room to grow.
- Harvest young for sweeter, more tender leaves.
- Plant again in late summer for an even better fall harvest.
Final Thoughts
Bok choy is one of those vegetables that quietly impresses. It grows quickly, looks beautiful, and brings fresh flavor to almost any dish. Once you grow it yourself, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
FAQs: How to Grow Bok Choy
How long does bok choy take to grow?
Baby bok choy is usually ready in 30 to 40 days. Full-sized varieties take around 45 to 60 days from planting to harvest.
Can bok choy grow in containers?
Yes, it grows well in pots or grow bags. Use a container at least 8 inches deep and give each plant enough room to expand.
What is the best time of year to plant bok choy?
Early spring and late summer are ideal. These seasons offer cooler temperatures, which support steady growth.
How often should bok choy be watered?
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out between watering sessions.
Does bok choy need full sun?
It grows best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In warmer areas, some afternoon shade can be helpful.
What causes bok choy to flower early?
Sudden temperature changes, water stress, or planting during warm months can lead to early flowering. Choose the right season and water regularly.
Can bok choy be grown indoors?
It can be grown inside under bright light. A sunny windowsill or grow light setup works well for small-scale indoor growing.
How should bok choy be harvested?
Use a clean knife to cut the plant above soil level. You can harvest the entire head or pick individual leaves over time.
How do you store bok choy after harvest?
Place unwashed leaves in the fridge crisper drawer. Use within one week for the best flavor and texture.