Growing Pak Choy, also Pak choi

Brassica campestris var. pekinensis : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P              

(Best months for growing Pak Choy in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, coriander), lettuce, potatoes
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

01 Jul 10, anthony (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I would like to know in datail of Pak choi. I need the information for reference my thesis. Please suggest to me. website? or something Please................... [email protected]
16 Aug 10, Andrea Werner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am having problems with Pak Choy which I planted in June as recommended and it was going well but all of a sudden has gone to flower/Seed. Is still cool overnight here in sydney with 6-8 C. Would not enough direct sunlight cause this problem?
29 Oct 10, Pam Hall (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Planted Pak Choi 4weeks ago didn't realise it was a cool weather plant its now tall yellow flowers only a few leaves what can I do?
02 Dec 10, Tracey (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Pam, Pak Choi/Bok Choy are best planted after midsummer, when day length is decreasing, as increasing day-length will signal it to flower. Once it has started to flower you can't stop it (but you can still eat it!). Sow some more seeds at the end of the summer and through the autumn and you should be fine.
09 Feb 13, Kat (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I suggest letting it going to seed, harvesting the seeds and trying growing it again when its cooler.
03 Apr 11, Jes (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm new to gardening so i went and did a workshop on No Dig Gardening and planted bok choy, literally the day after something has started eating the leaves. Does anyone know a homemade chemical free deterrent for what ever it is that is eating them and what it might be that is attacking them?
07 Apr 11, -Linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
after about 3 weeks, my Boc Choi leaves started getting little holes appearing. Today ( day 3 of holes) I got down close and found a very plump green catapillar...
09 Apr 11, Alison Sizer (Australia - temperate climate)
I have used a chilli spray to some effect. boil up some red chilli flakes or fresh if you have some spare! Cool and dilute strained spicy liquid into a spray bottle. No good for mexican bugs:)
10 Jun 11, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
Coffee grounds are a good snail/slug deterrent, as are eggshells. (Are coffee grounds chemical free?) You need something else for the 'pillars, though. White oil? Ducks? Eternal vigilance?
10 Jun 11, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
Further to coffee grounds/eternal vigilance suggestion: netting can help stop butterflies/moths from laying eggs around your veg.
Showing 21 - 30 of 92 comments

I suggest letting it going to seed, harvesting the seeds and trying growing it again when its cooler.

- Kat

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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