Bok Choy

Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is a nutritious and versatile vegetable. Growing bok choy at home ensures a fresh supply of this leafy green for your culinary adventures.

Preparing for Growing

Selecting a Planting Location: Choose a location that receives partial to full sun, with well-drained soil.

Soil Preparation: Bok choy prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.

Containers/Pots: If growing in containers, choose pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes.

Starting from Seeds Indoors

Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in water for a few hours before planting to promote germination.

Choosing Suitable Pots/Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed starting mix.

Sowing and Caring for Seeds Indoors: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and keep soil consistently moist. Place trays in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant to larger containers if necessary.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors

Soil Preparation: Prepare garden beds by loosening soil and incorporating compost.

Selecting Appropriate Timing and Method for Outdoor Sowing: In cooler climates, sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.

Caring for Seeds Outdoors: Keep soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, then thin seedlings to proper spacing.

Growing in Containers/Pots

Selecting Suitable Plants for Containers: Choose compact bok choy varieties suitable for container gardening.

Container and Soil Preparation: Fill containers with well-draining potting mix amended with compost.

Sowing or Transplanting Plants into Containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers, maintaining proper spacing.

Caring for Container Plants: Keep soil consistently moist and provide adequate sunlight or artificial light if growing indoors.

Transplanting to Garden

Soil and Planting Site Preparation: Prepare garden beds as described earlier.

Correct Timing and Method for Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.

Post-Transplant Care: Water seedlings well after transplanting and provide protection from pests and extreme weather if necessary.

Plant Care

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, watering deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing: Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.

Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and treat with organic methods if necessary. Keep an eye out for diseases such as clubroot and practice crop rotation.

Harvesting

Determining When Plants are Ready for Harvest: Bok choy is ready for harvest when the leaves are large and firm.

Harvesting and Storage Guidelines: Cut bok choy at the base of the plant using a sharp knife. Store unwashed in the refrigerator for up to a week.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

Bok choy generally thrives in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of USDA zones. However, it's essential to adjust planting times according to your specific zone for optimal growth.

Zone 3-6: Start seeds indoors in early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors in late summer for a fall harvest.

Zone 7-9: Start seeds indoors in late winter for an early spring harvest, or sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or early fall.

Zone 10-11: Bok choy can be grown year-round in these warmer zones, but it's best to avoid planting during the hottest months. Start seeds indoors or sow directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for the best results.

Fast Facts

• Planting Depth: ¼ inch
• Seed Spacing: 1-2 inches
• Plant Spacing: 6-8 inches
• Number of Seeds per Pot/Container: 2-3 seeds
• Water Preferences: Consistently moist soil
• Sun Preferences: Partial to full sun
• Soil Type and Other Important Factors: Fertile, well-draining soil
• Companion Planting: Plant with carrots, cucumbers, and herbs like basil and cilantro.
• Temperature Preference: Cooler temperatures, between 50-70°F
• Days to Germination: 7-14 days
• Days to Harvest: 45-60 days