Bok choy—also called pak choi or Chinese cabbage—is one of the easiest and fastest leafy greens you can grow. Tender, mild, and ready for harvest in as little as 30–45 days, bok choy is a cool-season favorite for gardeners who want quick rewards and continuous harvests. After growing Asian greens for more than 30 years in my raised beds and year-round garden, I’ve learned that bok choy thrives when given even moisture, rich soil, and protection from heat and pests. This guide brings together everything I’ve learned from hands-on experience to help you grow crisp, flavorful bok choy from seed to harvest.

What Is Bok Choy (Pak Choi)?

Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) grown for its smooth, spoon-shaped leaves and juicy white or green stalks. Unlike heading Chinese cabbages, bok choy forms loose rosettes—small varieties reach 6–8 inches, while full-size types grow 12–18 inches tall.

Bok choy is valued for:

Mild, sweet cabbage flavor
Fast maturity
Excellent bolt resistance in cool weather
Stir-fry, soup, and salad versatility

Quick Growing Tips

Grow in cool weather: best temperatures 55–70°F (13–21°C).
Plant in rich, well-drained soil with steady moisture.
Sow succession crops every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Protect from flea beetles and cabbage worms with row cover.
Harvest young plants for the sweetest, most tender flavor.

Where to Grow Bok Choy

Bok choy thrives in full sun in cool seasons and partial shade in warm climates. In Sonoma Valley, I grow spring and fall crops outdoors and add light shade during sudden heat spikes.

Choose a site with:

6+ hours of sun
Well-drained, compost-rich soil
pH between 6.0 and 7.0
Protection from strong afternoon heat

Raised beds, greenhouse benches, and deep containers all work well.

When to Plant Bok Choy

Bok choy grows best in spring and fall, when temperatures stay below 75°F.

Spring:

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant outdoors when nights are above 50°F.

Fall:

Direct-sow 8–10 weeks before your first expected frost.
Bok choy thrives in shortening days and cool soil.

Winter (mild climates):

In frost-moderate zones like mine, bok choy grows well under row cover or in an unheated cold frame.

How to Plant Bok Choy

Direct Sowing

Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
Thin to 6 inches for baby bok choy or 10–12 inches for full-size plants.

Transplanting

Set transplants slightly deeper than they were growing.
Water thoroughly after planting to reduce stress.

I’ve found that bok choy transplants easily as long as the roots are not disturbed.

Companion Plants for Bok Choy

Good companions include:

Carrots
Beets
Spinach
Garlic
Onions
Dill (attracts beneficial insects)

Avoid planting near strawberries or pole beans, which can crowd or shade the young plants.

Container Growing Bok Choy

Bok choy is one of the best Asian greens for containers.

Minimum pot size:

6 inches deep for baby types
10–12 inches deep for full-size plants

Use high-quality potting mix, keep soil evenly moist, and feed lightly every 2–3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Watering Bok Choy

Steady moisture is vital. Dry soil leads to:

Tough stalks
Bitter flavor
Premature bolting

Water deeply 2–3 times per week depending on temperature and rainfall. Mulch with shredded leaves, straw, or compost to help regulate moisture.

Feeding Bok Choy

Bok choy grows quickly and appreciates rich organic matter.

Before planting:

Add 2–3 inches of compost
Work in a balanced 4-4-4 organic fertilizer

During the season:

Side-dress with compost tea or fish emulsion every 2–3 weeks.

Bok Choy Care

To maintain healthy growth:

Keep soil consistently moist
Mulch well
Use row cover to prevent insect damage
Thin seedlings to reduce crowding
Harvest regularly for continued new growth

In my garden, a light shade cloth during early heat waves makes a noticeable difference in bolt resistance.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests include:

Flea beetles—cause tiny shot-holes in leaves
Cabbage loopers & worms
Aphids

Prevention:

Use row cover immediately after planting
Hand-pick worms
Spray neem or BT as needed
Encourage predators such as lady beetles and lacewings

Diseases are rare when soil drains well and air circulation is good.

How to Harvest Bok Choy

You can harvest bok choy at any stage.

Baby bok choy:

Harvest at 4–6 inches tall by cutting the whole plant at soil level.

Full-size heads:

Harvest when stalks are firm and leaves crisp.
Cut at the base with a clean knife.

Cut-and-come-again:

Snip outer leaves and let plants continue growing.

Storing and Preserving Bok Choy

Refrigerate unwashed heads in a loose plastic bag for up to 1 week.
Blanch and freeze for long-term storage.
Add fresh bok choy to soups, stir-fries, noodles, salads, and dumplings.

Best Bok Choy Varieties to Grow

My recommended favorites:

Baby Types

Shanghai Green – tender, mild, heat tolerant
Toy Choi – compact, perfect for containers

Full-Size Types

Joi Choi – bolt-resistant, reliable
Mei Qing Choi – crisp, sweet, excellent in warm climates

Final Thoughts

Bok choy is one of the most rewarding greens for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. With rich soil, consistent watering, and protection from heat, you’ll enjoy crisp, succulent harvests throughout the cool season. After decades of growing Asian greens in raised beds, I’ve found bok choy to be one of the most forgiving and productive choices for year-round succession planting.