How to grow Bok choy from seed

Growing Bok choy from seeds can be a rewarding experience. Bok choy, also known as pak choi or Chinese cabbage, is a popular leafy green vegetable in many Asian dishes. Here are the steps to grow bok choy from seeds

1. Gather Your Gardening Gear: To start, gather everything you’ll need. You’ll want bok choy seeds, some containers (like trays or pots), the right kind of soil, a way to water your plants, and something to keep the little seeds cozy.

2. Pick the Perfect Time: Bok choy likes cooler weather, so you’ll want to plant the seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before it starts warming up outside. This is usually in early spring, but it depends on where you live.

3. Get Your Containers Ready: Fill up your pots or trays with special soil for seeds. Make sure it’s damp but not soaking wet.

4. Plant Those Seeds: Bok choy seeds are tiny, so don’t bury them too deep. Just poke them about a quarter of an inch into the soil. You can put a bunch of them in each pot or tray.

5. Keep Things Moist and Covered: After you’ve planted your seeds, give the soil a gentle drink. Then, cover the pots or trays with plastic wrap or a clear lid to keep the humidity high.

6. Find a Good Spot: Your baby bok choy plants need light, but not direct sunlight. Put them by a window or use a special grow light.

7. Keep the Soil Just Right: Check the soil often and make sure it stays damp. You can use a watering can or a spray bottle to do this gently.

8. Time to Move Out: When your bok choy seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have a few real leaves, they’re ready to move outside. This usually takes about 4-6 weeks.

9. Toughen Them Up: Before you put your plants in the garden, let them get used to the outside world. Gradually, over about a week, give them more and more time outside to adapt to the temperature and sunlight.

10. Plant Them Outside: Find a sunny spot with good drainage in your garden. Plant your bok choy about 6-8 inches apart in rows that are a foot or so apart.

11. Keep the TLC Going: Keep your bok choy happy by watering them regularly, but don’t drown them. Spread mulch around them to help keep the soil moist and fight off weeds. Give them some plant food when they need it.

12. Harvest Time: In about 6-8 weeks after transplanting, your bok choy should be ready to pick. You can harvest the whole plant or just pluck the outer leaves, and the inner ones will keep growing for more harvests.

Lastly, keep an eye out for little garden pests like aphids and cabbage worms. If they show up, deal with them the best way you can find. With a little care, you’ll enjoy fresh bok choy from your garden all season long. Happy gardening!

Watch our follow-along-guide:

Watch the beginners guide to Sowing Bok Choy (Pak Choi) on YouTube

We recommend these Seeds:

Pak Choi seeds from Amazon UK

Germination times of bok choy

Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) typically has a relatively quick germination time, and it can vary depending on various factors, including temperature, soil conditions, and seed quality. On average, you can expect bok choy seeds to germinate within:

1. Optimal Conditions: Under ideal conditions, with soil temperatures consistently around 70-75°F (21-24°C), bok choy seeds can germinate in as little as 5 to 7 days.
2. Cooler Temperatures: If the soil temperature is cooler, germination may take a bit longer, usually around 7 to 10 days.
3. Less Ideal Conditions: If conditions are less than ideal, such as colder soil temperatures or irregular moisture levels, germination may take longer, potentially up to 14 days or more.

Keep in mind that bok choy is a cool-season crop, and it prefers cooler temperatures for both germination and growth. Providing consistent moisture and proper care during the germination period will help ensure quicker and more successful germination.

Additionally, factors like the freshness of the seeds and their storage conditions can also influence germination times. Always check the seed packet for any specific germination guidelines provided by the seed supplier.

Types of Chinese cabbage and there uses

Chinese cabbage, known for its crisp texture and mild flavor, comes in several types, each with its own unique characteristics and culinary uses. Here are some common varieties and how they are typically used in everyday cooking:

1. Napa Cabbage:
   • Napa cabbage is perhaps the most recognizable type with its long, oblong shape and crinkly leaves.
   • Uses: It’s a favorite in stir-fries, hot pots, and traditional kimchi. It can also be added to soups or used as a filling in dumplings.
2. Bok Choy:
   • Bok choy, also called pak choi, features dark green leaves and crisp, white stems.
   • Uses: Bok choy is versatile; it’s great stir-fried, sautéed, or steamed. It’s commonly used in soups, noodle dishes, and as a side vegetable.
3. Shanghai Bok Choy:
   • This variety of bok choy has smaller leaves and slender stems, making it delicate and tender.
   • Uses: It’s often used in quick stir-fries, hot pots, or as a garnish to add a mild, refreshing touch to dishes.
4. Tai Sai:
   • Tai Sai resembles Napa cabbage but has a more cylindrical shape.
   • Uses: It’s popular in Korean cuisine for making kimchi and also finds its way into various Chinese dishes, adding a mild crunch.
5. Savoy Cabbage:
   • While not exclusive to Chinese cuisine, Savoy cabbage is sometimes used.
   • Uses: It’s versatile and can be stir-fried, used in soups, or even in cabbage rolls. Its mild flavor works well in both cooked and raw dishes.
6. Red Chinese Cabbage:
   • With vibrant red or purple leaves and stems, this variety adds color to dishes.
   • Uses: It’s great in salads, coleslaws, and stir-fries. It’s also used for pickling, offering a visually appealing and tasty addition.

Chinese cabbage, regardless of the type, is appreciated for its ability to absorb flavours and maintain its crispness in various culinary applications. It’s a staple in Asian cuisine, where its fresh and mild nature complements a wide range of flavours and cooking techniques. Whether you’re stir-frying, pickling, or simply using it fresh in a salad, Chinese cabbage can elevate your dishes with its delightful crunch and subtle taste.

Common pests for bok choy

Chinese cabbage, like many other plants, can be susceptible to various pests that can damage or infest the crop. Here are some common pests that may affect Chinese cabbage, along with brief descriptions of each:

1. Aphids:
   • Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cluster on the undersides of leaves and cause leaves to curl or yellow.
   • Damage: Aphids can stunt plant growth and transmit plant diseases.
2. Cabbage Worms (Cabbage White Butterfly Larvae):
   • These green caterpillars are commonly found on cabbage family plants, including Chinese cabbage.
   • Damage: They chew holes in leaves and can significantly damage the foliage if not controlled.
3. Flea Beetles:
   • Flea beetles are small, dark-colored beetles that jump when disturbed. They feed on leaves, creating tiny holes that give leaves a “shotgun” appearance.
   • Damage: Flea beetles can weaken plants and stunt growth.
4. Slugs and Snails:
   • These mollusks are typically active at night and feed on the leaves, leaving behind irregular holes.
   • Damage: Slugs and snails can cause cosmetic damage and reduce the overall quality of the crop.
5. Cutworms:
   • Cutworms are caterpillars that live in the soil and come out at night to feed on the stems of young plants, cutting them off at the base.
   • Damage: They can destroy young Chinese cabbage plants.
6. Root Maggots:
   • Root maggots are the larvae of flies that lay their eggs at the base of the plant. They tunnel into the roots and damage the plant’s root system.
   • Damage: Root maggots can cause poor growth and wilting of Chinese cabbage plants.
7. Thrips:
   • Thrips are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can damage leaves by causing stippling or silvering.
   • Damage: Severe thrip infestations can weaken Chinese cabbage plants and reduce their yield.
8. Harlequin Bugs (Stink Bugs):
   • These shield-shaped bugs feed on plant sap and can be found on the undersides of leaves.
   • Damage: They can cause wilting, leaf discoloration, and cosmetic damage to the leaves.

To manage and control these pests on Chinese cabbage:

• Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation.
• Practice good garden hygiene by removing debris and weeds, which can harbor pests.
• Use physical barriers like row covers to prevent pests from reaching your plants.
• Consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or parasitic wasps that prey on certain pests.
• Apply organic or chemical pesticides as a last resort, following label instructions carefully.

Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, such as crop rotation and companion planting, can also help reduce the risk of pest infestations and minimize the need for chemical interventions.

Best time of year to sow Bok Choy

The best time to sow and grow Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) depends on your local climate and the variety of Chinese cabbage you plan to cultivate. Generally, Chinese cabbage is a cool-season crop, and its growth is favored by cooler temperatures. Here are some guidelines:

1. Spring Planting:

• In regions with mild winters and early springs, you can sow Chinese cabbage seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures consistently reach above freezing (around 40-75°F or 4-24°C).
• For spring planting, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date, and then transplant seedlings into the garden when they are large enough.

2. Fall Planting:

• In areas with hot summers, Chinese cabbage can also be grown as a fall crop. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the first expected fall frost date.
• Transplant seedlings into the garden when the weather begins to cool down, typically around late summer to early fall.

3. Winter Planting (In Mild Climates):

• In regions with mild winters (minimal or no frost), you can sow Chinese cabbage directly in the garden during the winter months. Chinese cabbage is frost-tolerant but will grow slower in very cold conditions.
• You can also use row covers or cold frames to protect the plants from extreme cold.

4. Succession Planting:

• To extend your harvest, consider succession planting by sowing seeds every few weeks throughout the growing season. This way, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh Chinese cabbage.

5. Indoor Cultivation:

• In areas with extremely hot or cold climates, consider growing Chinese cabbage indoors or in a greenhouse to control temperature and conditions throughout the year.

When choosing the timing for planting Chinese cabbage, it’s essential to be aware of the average frost dates in your area. You can check with your local agricultural extension service or use online gardening resources to determine the best planting windows based on your specific climate zone.

Remember to select Chinese cabbage varieties that are well-suited to your region and intended planting season, as some varieties are better for spring or fall planting. Additionally, providing consistent moisture and proper care during the growing season will help you achieve a successful Chinese cabbage harvest.