Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a type of Chinese cabbage that is part of the Brassica family. It is an edible green leafy vegetable with a crisp texture and a mild flavor. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the stalks are thick and crunchy. Bok choy is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and is often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is a good source of calcium and iron. It is easy to grow in a variety of climates and can be harvested in as little as 45 days.
Planning Your Garden With Bok Choy
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Bok choy is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Bok choy is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Bok choy is a cold-hardy vegetable that can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). |
| Days to harvest | Bok choy can be harvested as soon as it reaches a height of 6-8 inches, which usually takes about 30-45 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown bok choy plant is about 12-18 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Bok choy should be planted in rows spaced 8-12 inches apart with plants spaced 4-6 inches apart within the rows. |
| Sun tolerance | Bok choy is a shade-tolerant vegetable and prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but it should be protected from direct, full sun for extended periods of time, especially during the hottest parts of the day. |
| Shade tolerance | Bok choy is a semi-shade tolerant vegetable and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but it will produce the best yields when grown in an area that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Water requirements | Bok choy is a cool season crop and prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. It is best to water bok choy deeply, but infrequently, providing 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering as much as possible, as this may cause disease problems. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing bok choy depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, apply it at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing bok choy is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Bok Choy is Popular
People like to grow bok choy because it is a fast-growing vegetable and is very versatile. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and its mild flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes. Bok choy is also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium.
Companion Plants For Bok Choy
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for bok choy include:
Common Pests For Bok Choy
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow bok choy, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- beetles
- aphids
- slugs
- whiteflies
- flea beetles
- caterpillars
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
