The Story
Plant Bio
Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group), commonly known as bok choy or pak choi, is a type of Chinese cabbage. It is a fast-growing, cool-season annual vegetable grown for its crisp stalks and tender, dark green leaves. It does not form a tight head.
A non-heading cabbage variety that forms a cluster of smooth, white or pale green stalks topped with glossy, dark green leaves. Valued for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. It is quick to mature, often ready for harvest in 45-60 days.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
15 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they are 2 inches tall.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth throughout the season.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
- Harvest when heads are firm and compact, usually 60-70 days after planting.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and boost plant vigor for tender, flavorful leaves.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in shady areas; it needs full sun
- Refrain from using chemical pesticides that harm beneficial insects
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bok Choy questions
What zones can Bok Choy grow in?
Bok Choy is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bok Choy deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Bok Choy, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Bok Choy bloom?
Bok Choy typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bok Choy need full sun?
Bok Choy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Brassica to compare
Chinese Cabbage
Brassica rapa 'Chinese Cabbage'
Osaka Purple Mustard
Brassica juncea 'Osaka Purple'
Vates Champion Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea 'Vates Champion'
Purple Top Turnip
Brassica rapa 'Purple Top'
Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
Brassica oleracea 'Veronica'
Darkibor Kale
Brassica oleracea 'Darkibor'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Bok Choy with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.