spurekar / CC BY 2.0
garden
Bok choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Edible
Edible Partsleaves, stems
Overview
A mild, versatile Chinese cabbage that has been cultivated in Asia for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest known vegetables. Bok choy's crisp white stalks and tender dark green leaves cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully. Baby bok choy varieties mature in as little as 30 days, making it one of the fastest crops from seed to table.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones2 — 11
Height0.3m
Spread0.25m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeMoist, fertile, well-drained soil rich in nitrogen
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost; cold sensitive when young |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest whole head or cut outer leaves |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow in spring; succession sow every 2 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall crop; best flavor in cool weather |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jun | Spring harvest; cut-and-come-again for baby bok choy |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Fall harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow early spring; bolts quickly above 75°F |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Oct | Fall crop; 45-60 days to maturity |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — May | Spring harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Nov | Fall harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall/winter crop only; bolts in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Feb (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Jan (wraps) | Cool-season crop; choose bolt-resistant varieties |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during winter |
Uses
Culinary
- Stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce
- Added to soups, ramen, and hot pots
- Baby varieties grilled or roasted whole
Medicinal
- Rich in glucosinolates with anti-cancer properties
- High in calcium and vitamin K for bone health
- Excellent source of vitamins A and C
Other Uses
- Quick-maturing succession crop for intensive gardening
