Bok choy (also called pak choi) grows quickly and reliably when planted at the right time of year. After more than 30 years of growing Asian greens in both spring and fall, I’ve found that timing—not soil, fertilizer, or even pests—is the single biggest factor that determines whether bok choy produces crisp, tender stems or bolts prematurely. This month-by-month planting calendar will help you sow and transplant bok choy at the ideal moment for your climate.

Use this guide as a flexible calendar for cool-season growing in most temperate regions.

My Experience Growing Bok Choy

I began growing bok choy first in the California’s Central Valley’s long warm seasons and later year-round in raised beds in Sonoma Valley. Over the years I’ve trialed dozens of varieties—baby types, Shanghai, Joi Choi, and bolt-resistant hybrids. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: bok choy is happiest in cool weather, and even a few days of unexpected heat can trigger early flowering. Planting it at the right time makes all the difference.

With the calendar below, you can harvest perfect bok choy nearly year-round.

Month-by-Month Bok Choy Planting Calendar

January

Start seeds indoors for an early spring crop.
Provide bright grow lights—short winter days can make seedlings leggy.

February

Continue starting seeds indoors.
In mild-winter climates, sow outdoors under row cover.

March

Transplant indoor-grown seedlings into the garden once frost danger is low.
Direct-sow outdoors in raised beds or containers.

April

Prime planting month for spring bok choy.
Use shade cloth if a heat wave arrives.

May

Last reliable spring planting window in warm climates.
Choose bolt-resistant varieties such as Joi Choi or Green Fortune.

June

Avoid planting unless you garden in a cool-summer coastal or mountain region.
Provide 30% shade if temperatures exceed 80°F.

July

Too hot in most regions for bok choy.
Start seeds indoors for fall crops.

August

Start fall bok choy indoors or in a shaded outdoor nursery bed.
Keep seedlings cool and evenly watered.

September

Transplant fall seedlings to the garden.
Direct-sow for baby bok choy harvested in 30–40 days.

October

Excellent month for fall crops—cool weather encourages compact, tender growth.
Protect from early frost with row cover.

November

Continue harvesting fall plantings.
In mild climates, sow under protection for winter crops.

December

Pause outdoor planting in cold regions.
Begin planning early spring sowings and checking seed inventory.

Seasonal Summary

Best Spring Planting Window

March through May, depending on frost dates.

Best Fall Planting Window

August through October, ideal for the highest-quality heads.

Avoid Planting

June–July in warm climates; plants bolt quickly in heat.

Conclusion

Growing bok choy successfully is all about working with the seasons. By coordinating your sowing, transplanting, and harvesting with cool weather, you can enjoy crisp, mild bok choy for much of the year. With this month-by-month calendar—and careful attention to your local climate—you’ll have steady harvests from early spring through late fall.