how to plant bok choy

Sow bok choy in spring and again in late summer for harvest in fall. Sow in double rows, with rows spaced 10 inches (25 cm) apart. Plant seeds 2 inches (5 cm) apart and barely cover them with soil. Gradually thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart.

How long does it take to grow bok choy?

Harvesting. Depending on the variety and the weather, bok choy should be ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days after seed germination. Slice the plants off about 1 inch above the ground and they should re-sprout for you.

How much space does bok choy need to grow?

Space plants 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm.) apart and mulch to keep soil cool and moist. To further discourage bolting when growing bok choy as a spring crop, try planting bok choy in partial shade and keep it well-watered.

Can you grow bok choy from cuttings?

Growing bok choy from a stalk is easy. Chop off the base of the bok choy, much like you would slice the base of a bunch of celery. Place the bok choy in a bowl or saucer of warm water, with the cut side facing up. Set the bowl on a windowsill or another sunny location.

What can you not plant next to bok choy?

Bok choy is vulnerable to cabbageworms, maggots, flea beetles and aphids. Select herbs and/or vegetables to plant near bok choy that send these pests scurrying the other way. Choose companions based on what pest you need to get rid of. Plant celery or thyme near bok choy to repel cabbageworms.

How do you know when bok choy is ready to harvest?

Harvesting Bok Choy

Thin baby bok choy seedlings when the seedlings are about 2 inches tall. The tender seedlings are delicious eaten raw or added to soups or salads. To thin bok choy, pull the smallest plants and leave the largest, healthiest plants in the garden to develop.

Should you cut the flowers off bok choy?

The bok choy's edible flowers taste best right before they open. If your bok choy crop is starting to produce elongated stalks and flowers from the center of each plant, pluck off the flower stalks and add them to salads. ... Otherwise, harvest the best tender leaves and flower stalks before discarding the plants.

What can I plant next to bok choy?

Bokchoy may experience improved growth and health if you plant it near one or more of the followingvegetables or herbs: beets, bush beans, carrots, chamomile, chard, cucumbers, dill, kale, lettuce,mint, nasturtiums, potatoes, sage and spinach.

Is bok choy a perennial?

Bok choy is a biennial plant that is usually grown as an annual. It thrives in the cool season in locations with temperatures between 55 and 70°F. It doesn't mind the odd light frost and can withstand slightly higher temperatures, so long as the soil is kept sufficiently moist.

Does bok choy have deep roots?

Because it does have shallow roots, bok choy does well in shallow beds or as container plants, and careful attention should be paid to spacing requirements for bok choy. ... Bok choy should be planted in an area that is well draining and rich in organic matter with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5.

Can you eat bok choy after it flowers?

Bok choy flowers evolve out of the plant's thin stems. ... When Bok choy is at its flowering stage the rest of the plant is still edible, the leaves tender, yet the stems may begin to get a bit tough.

How do you keep bok choy from bolting?

Of course, Mother Nature can never be completely relied on, so one of the easiest answers for how to prevent bolting in bok choy is to grow it in a cold frame where you have more control over temperature. Too much or too little water can also cause bok choy bolting.

How do you cut bok choy?

To dice bok choy, first cut the leaves from a single stalk and slice lengthwise into three long strips of roughly the same width. Bunch them together and then cut the strips horizontally into little half-inch pieces. And there you have it — a great addition to soups and salads.

Does bok choy need fertilizer?

Bok choy is a heavy feeder. It needs rich soil with plenty of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Be sure to add plenty of compost and some organic fertilizer to the soil at planting time. It grows best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade.

Does bok choy grow in summer?

Bok choy can also be planted in the late summer to early fall when temperatures have cooled. If you start them in the late summer, be aware that they will need extra care. Keep the soil moist and provide them with shade during the hottest time of day.

Do I need to thin bok choy?

If direct seeding in the garden, plant bok choy seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart. Rows need to be at least 18 inches apart. As plants start to grow, you'll want to thin them to their 6 to 10-inch spacing. Keep the thinnings to use fresh in early spring salads.

What is eating my bok choy?

Here are the most prevalent bok choy pests: Cabbage maggots. Flea beetles. Tarnished plant bugs.

What season is bok choy?

Bok choy is a relatively hearty plant. It can withstand light frosts and slight dips in temperature, making it an ideal fall and winter vegetable. Although when it is harvested depends on the variety, most bok choy is harvested between the late summer and early fall.

How do you cut bok choy for stir fry?

Separating the leaves and stems ensures that this crisp-tender vegetable will cook evenly.

Trim the bottom inch from the head of bok choy. ...
Cut each stalk in half lengthwise and then crosswise into ¼-inch-wide pieces.
Stack the leafy greens and then slice them crosswise into ½-inch-wide strips.

Is bok choy self pollinating?

These plants either self-pollinate to produce seeds and edible plant portions, or they are wind-pollinated.
...
Which Garden Vegetables and Fruits Need Insect Pollination.

Celery	Carrot
Mustard greens	Parsnip
Cauliflower	Chives
Kale	Radish
Bok choy and other cabbages	Beet-root, beet greens, chard

What is the difference between bok choy and pak choy?

Pak choi and bok choy are of the same plant. ... Pak choi, or bok choy, is also called pe-tsai, petsay, Chinese white cabbage, and white celery mustard. It is a Chinese cabbage with leafy, green leaves and white stalks. Pak choi, or bok choy, mostly grows in Asian regions like the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.

Why is my bok choy bitter?

Probably not a ton, bok choy can have that same bitterness spinach has. Since it is the stems, maybe cook them in something thats going to dilute it out, like soup? Adult bok choy is used in soups. This is R/cooking.