How to Grow Bok Choy 'Summer Crisp'
Bok Choy 'Summer Crisp'
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
vegetableSummer Crisp is a heat-tolerant bok choy variety that produces dense, upright heads with dark green leaves and white, tender petioles. It resists bolting better than most traditional bok choys, making it ideal for warm-season cultivation. This Asian green is prized for its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; heat tolerance makes it excellent for summer growing in warmer regions
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Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear ovate and slightly serrated. Plant is delicate and low to soil.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light (12+ hours). Protect from slugs and cutworms. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksMultiple leaves develop in rosette pattern; white petioles elongate and thicken. Plant builds dense foliage base.
Water consistently and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for flea beetles and cabbage aphids. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Head Development
2-3 weeksLeaves form tighter, more compact rosettes; heads become more defined with creamy white petioles contrasting dark green blades.
Maintain consistent watering to prevent tip burn and premature bolting. Provide shade cloth in extreme heat (above 85°F). Watch for aphids and mites in warm weather.
Maturity & Harvest-Ready
Variable; monitor readinessHeads reach 6-10 inches tall with thick, crisp petioles and tender, bundled leaves. Plant is full and dense.
Check daily for harvest-ready condition. If temps exceed 85°F consistently, harvest promptly to avoid bolting. Keep watering until harvest.
Post-Harvest (if regrowth intended)
3-4 weeks if regrowingAfter cutting central head, side shoots may develop for secondary harvest in cooler weather.
Leave roots in soil and lower leaves intact if regrowing. Continue watering and fertilizing. Secondary harvest smaller than primary.
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers on young plants. Neem oil or insecticidal soap for adults. Spinosad for severe infestations. Remove crop residue.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Reflective mulch may repel.
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Row covers for seedlings. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for larvae. Spinosad. Monitor for small holes in leaves.
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Increase humidity and water spray leaves. Neem oil or sulfur. Encourage predatory mites. More common in hot, dry conditions.
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Hand-pick, especially at night. Beer traps. Copper tape around raised beds. Diatomaceous earth. Remove hiding spots.
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Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Hand-pick caterpillars and egg clusters. Row covers. Spinosad for heavy infestations.
Uses
Stir-fries and sautéing
CulinarySummer Crisp's tender petioles and mild flavor make it perfect for Asian stir-fries, sautéed dishes, and wok cooking. The crisp texture holds well during quick, high-heat cooking. [source]
Raw salads and fresh consumption
CulinaryThe tender leaves and crisp white stems are excellent raw in salads, slaws, and fresh vegetable platters. Milder taste than many Asian greens appeals to diverse palates. [source]
Glucosinolate content
MedicinalBok choy contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, compounds studied for potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of Brassicas supports overall wellness. [source]
Soups and braised dishes
CulinarySummer Crisp works beautifully in Asian soups, broths, and braised vegetable dishes. Leaves become tender and absorb flavors while maintaining structure. [source]
High-yield home garden vegetable
HouseholdSummer Crisp's heat tolerance, disease resistance, and reliable production make it a top choice for summer vegetable gardening and succession planting in warm seasons. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when heads are 6-10 inches tall and leaves are crisp and tender, typically 45-60 days from planting. Cut entire head 1-2 inches above soil with a sharp knife, or harvest outer leaves only for continual picking. Early morning harvest yields crispest texture. In summer heat, harvest in early morning before heat stress occurs. Summer Crisp's heat tolerance extends harvest season — monitor for bolting (flowering) and harvest promptly when mature. Can store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a plastic bag.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Summer Crisp is specifically bred for heat tolerance, making it one of the few bok choy varieties that thrives in midsummer gardens where traditional varieties bolt immediately.
- 🌱 Bok choy is one of the most ancient vegetables still in cultivation, with records dating back over 3,000 years in China, and 'Summer Crisp' is a modern American adaptation of this ancient crop.
- 🌱 The name 'bok choy' comes from Cantonese and literally means 'white vegetable,' referring to the pale, tender petioles that characterize the plant.
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