How to Grow Bok Choy: A Complete Guide for a Thriving Harvest

Bok choy, also known as pak choi or Chinese cabbage, is a crisp, nutritious leafy green that’s a staple in many Asian dishes.

Bok choy is easy to grow, fast-maturing, and thrives in cool weather.

This guide will take you step by step through the process of growing bok choy successfully.

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Bok choy is an excellent addition to any garden. Here’s why:

✅ Fast Growing: Ready to harvest in just 30–45 days, making it one of the quickest crops to grow.
✅ Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants.
✅ Versatile in Cooking: Perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads.
✅ Cool-Season Friendly: Thrives in spring and fall, when other crops may struggle.
✅ Easy to Grow in Small Spaces: Grows well in containers, raised beds, or traditional gardens.

If you love fresh, homegrown greens, bok choy is a fantastic choice!

Bok choy comes in different sizes and colors, so choosing the right variety depends on your space and culinary preferences.

1. Baby Bok Choy

• Smaller, tender, and ideal for stir-fries.
• Matures in about 30 days.

2. Shanghai Bok Choy

• Has smooth, light green stems and a mild, sweet flavor.
• Grows up to 8 inches tall.

3. Standard Bok Choy

• Features crisp white stalks and dark green leaves.
• Grows larger, about 12–18 inches tall.

If space is limited, opt for baby bok choy, which can be grown closer together and harvested young.

Bok choy thrives in cool weather and is sensitive to extreme heat. If temperatures get too warm, it will bolt (flower and go to seed), making the leaves bitter.

Spring Planting:

• Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
• Direct sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost when the soil is workable.

Fall Planting:

• Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the first frost for a late-season crop.
• Bok choy handles light frosts well, which can even improve its flavor.

🌱 Tip: If growing in summer, plant bok choy in partial shade or use row covers to prevent bolting.

1. Choose the Right Location

Bok choy grows best in full sun to partial shade. If your summers are hot, plant it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

2. Prepare the Soil

Bok choy prefers:

• Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
• A pH of 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).
• A loose, airy texture that retains moisture without getting waterlogged.

Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.

3. Planting the Seeds or Transplants

• Direct Sowing: Plant seeds ¼–½ inch deep and space them 6–12 inches apart.
• Transplants: If starting indoors, plant seedlings 3–4 weeks old in the garden once the weather is mild.

🚿 Water immediately after planting to help the seeds settle.

1. Watering

Bok choy needs consistent moisture to prevent bolting and keep leaves tender. Aim for:

• 1 inch of water per week (or more in hot weather).
• Even moisture—dry spells can cause bolting.

🌱 Tip: Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

2. Fertilizing

• Feed bok choy every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10).
• Organic options like compost tea, fish emulsion, or kelp meal work well.

If leaves look pale, side-dress with compost to boost nutrients.

3. Controlling Pests and Diseases

Like other leafy greens, bok choy attracts pests. Here’s how to manage them:

🐞 Common Pests:

• Flea Beetles – Cover with row covers or sprinkle diatomaceous earth.
• Cabbage Worms – Handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), an organic treatment.
• Aphids – Spray with neem oil or introduce ladybugs.

🍃 Preventing Diseases:

• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Avoid overcrowding to promote airflow and reduce fungal issues.

Bok choy is ready to harvest in 30–45 days, depending on the variety.

1. Harvesting Individual Leaves (Cut-and-Come-Again Method)

• Pick outer leaves when they’re about 4 inches tall.
• This allows the plant to keep growing for a continuous harvest.

2. Harvesting Full Heads

• Cut the entire plant at the base when it reaches 6–12 inches.
• Harvest before flowering to avoid bitter leaves.

⏳ Timing Tip: Bok choy harvested in cool weather is sweeter than summer crops.

After harvesting, you’ll want to store bok choy properly to keep it fresh.

🥬 Storage Tips:

• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in a plastic bag.
• Don’t wash before storing—moisture can cause rot.

🔥 Cooking Ideas:

• Stir-fry with garlic and soy sauce.
• Add to soups, noodle dishes, or dumplings.
• Eat raw in salads or wraps for a crunchy texture.

If you have an abundant harvest, blanch and freeze bok choy for later use.

How long does bok choy take to grow?

Bok choy is a fast-growing vegetable, maturing in 30–45 days, depending on the variety. Baby bok choy can be harvested even sooner, around 30 days.

Can bok choy grow in hot weather?

Bok choy prefers cool temperatures (55–70°F). It struggles in hot weather and may bolt (flower prematurely). If growing in summer, plant in partial shade and use mulch to keep the soil cool.

Does bok choy need full sun or shade?

Bok choy thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily, but some afternoon shade helps prevent bolting in warm climates.

How often should I water bok choy?

Bok choy requires consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. Dry soil can cause stress and trigger bolting, so keep the soil evenly moist.

How do I prevent bok choy from bolting?

To reduce the risk of bolting:

• Plant in early spring or late summer to avoid extreme heat.
• Keep the soil moist with regular watering.
• Use mulch to regulate soil temperature.
• Provide some shade if temperatures rise above 75°F.

Can I grow bok choy in containers?

Yes! Bok choy grows well in containers at least 8 inches deep. Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and keep the container in a cool spot with partial shade if needed.

What pests attack bok choy, and how do I control them?

Common pests include:

• Flea beetles – Use row covers or diatomaceous earth.
• Cabbage worms – Handpick or use organic Bt spray.
• Aphids – Spray with neem oil or introduce ladybugs.

How do I harvest bok choy without killing the plant?

Use the cut-and-come-again method by picking outer leaves and letting the center grow. If harvesting the whole plant, cut it at the base with a sharp knife.

How do I store bok choy after harvesting?

Store unwashed bok choy in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to preserve it longer, blanch and freeze it.

Can I regrow bok choy from the base?

Yes! Place the cut base in a shallow bowl of water and keep it in a sunny spot. In a few days, new leaves will sprout. You can either eat the regrowth or transplant it into soil.

✅ Plant successively every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply.
✅ Use shade cloth in hot weather to prevent bolting.
✅ Monitor for pests and act quickly to avoid infestations.
✅ Harvest before flowering to keep flavors mild and sweet.

Growing bok choy is easy, rewarding, and perfect for any garden. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or working with containers, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown greens in no time.

Get our Gardening Buddy and find veggies that fit your conditions best.

You Can Grow It!