Bok Choy — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 4–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 45–60 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 20.3–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct-sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in partial shade to full sun, spacing 6–12 inches apart; bok choy (pak choi) is the most widely grown Chinese vegetable outside of Asia, producing compact plants with crisp, white-ribbed stalks and dark-green, spoon-shaped leaves used in stir-fries, soups, braises, and salads. It grows rapidly in cool weather and is one of the best fall vegetables for zone 5–11, tolerating light frosts and continuing to produce into early winter in mild climates. Harvest either the entire plant when mature or individual outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again harvest. Baby bok choy varieties (Shanghai, Toy Choy) mature in 30–40 days and are ideal for tender whole-plant harvest. Keep evenly moist to prevent premature bolting.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0