When to Plant Bok Choy for Spring, Summer, and Fall

Bok choy (also called pak choi) is one of the most rewarding leafy greens to grow if you time your plantings with the seasons. After more than three decades of growing cool-weather brassicas in both mild and warm climates, I’ve learned that bok choy thrives when you work with the weather rather than against it. Planting at the right time ensures tender leaves, crisp stems, and minimal bolting.

Below, you’ll find season-by-season guidance based on practical garden experience—so you can harvest perfect bok choy nearly year-round.

Table of Contents

Bok Choy Planting Basics

Cool-season crop: Prefers 55–75°F.
Fast maturing: Most varieties are ready in 35–55 days.
Bolt-prone: Sudden heat or long daylength triggers early flowering.
Grow successively: Stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply.

When to Plant Bok Choy in Spring

Spring is the classic season for bok choy, but timing is everything.
Having grown bok choy through countless variable springs, I’ve found:

Best Planting Window

Start seeds indoors: 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant or sow outdoors: 1–2 weeks before the last frost, once the soil reaches 50°F.
Direct sow: As soon as the soil is workable.

Why This Timing Works

Cool, steadily warming temperatures allow bok choy to root well and grow quickly without stress. Early planting avoids the late-spring heat that often triggers bolting.

When to Plant Bok Choy in Summer

Growing bok choy in summer is possible—but you have to adjust for heat and long daylight. I’ve had the best results with heat-tolerant, bolt-resistant varieties and shade strategies.

Best Planting Window

Early summer: Only in mild-summer climates.
Mid to late summer: Best for fall harvests. Plant 8–10 weeks before your first fall frost.

Tips for Success in Summer

Choose heat-tolerant types like ‘Joi Choi’, ‘Green Stem’, or ‘Kuroda’.
Provide afternoon shade (shade cloth, north side of tall crops).
Keep soil consistently moist—dry spells trigger bolting.
Mulch deeply to steady root-zone temperature.

My summer bok choy successes have nearly always come from thoughtful shading and strict watering discipline.

When to Plant Bok Choy in Fall

Fall is hands-down the easiest and most productive season for bok choy. The cooling temperatures produce crisp stems, rich green leaves, and almost zero bolting.

Best Planting Window

Late summer to early fall: 8–10 weeks before first frost.
Direct sow: Up until 6 weeks before frost in mild areas.
In mild-winter regions (like the West Coast):
Plant from late August through October for winter harvests.

Why Fall Plantings Excel

Shorter days and mild weather mimic bok choy’s natural growing season. In my own fall garden, bok choy routinely outperforms spring and summer plantings in both texture and flavor.

Signs You Planted at the Right Time

Rapid early growth
Deep green, upright leaves
Short stems and tight heads
No premature flowering
Harvestable size in 40–50 days

When conditions align, bok choy grows so quickly you can practically watch it size up by the day.

Final Thoughts

Bok choy rewards gardeners who understand seasonal timing. With a little planning—and a willingness to adjust for your climate—you can enjoy tender, flavorful bok choy in spring, summer, and fall. Whether you’re growing compact baby bok choy or large heading types, planting at the right time is the key to success.