How to Grow Mei Qing
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Mei Qing
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
vegetableMei Qing is a popular Chinese cabbage variety, also known as bok choy or pak choi, characterized by its tender green leaves and white petioles. It grows quickly and is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. This fast-growing brassica is a staple in Asian cuisine and increasingly popular in Western gardens.
When should you plant Mei Qing in your zone?
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Example Mei Qing timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mei Qing
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Mei Qing
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mei Qing dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cool to moderate temperatures
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Get my Mei Qing timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge with the characteristic round seed leaves; first true leaves appear slightly lobed.
Keep soil moist and warm (65-75°F); provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Vegetative (Early Growth)
15-20 daysTrue leaves develop; the plant forms a rosette of green leaves with white petioles beginning to elongate.
Maintain consistent moisture and cooler temperatures (60-70°F). Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Monitor for pest damage.
Vegetative (Mature Rosette)
15-25 daysFull rosette develops with prominent white stems and deep green leaves; plant reaches harvestable size.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Watch for bolting in hot weather; provide afternoon shade in summer. Harvest outer leaves or wait for full head maturity.
Bolting (Heat Response)
Variable, occurs prematurely in unfavorable conditionsUnder heat stress or long days, the plant may send up a flowering stem with yellow flowers.
Mei Qing bolts easily in summer heat. Use shade cloth, mulch to cool soil, or plant in spring/fall. Harvest before bolting occurs.
Harvest-Ready
Harvest window typically 1-2 weeks at peak qualityCompact rosette of 4-8 inches tall with tender leaves and crisp white petioles; fully developed but still tender.
Harvest in the morning for best quality and crispness. Cut at soil level or harvest outer leaves for continual picking.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers, hand-pick larvae, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or neem oil. Keep area weed-free.
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Use row covers on young plants, apply diatomaceous earth, spray neem oil, or use insecticidal soap. Remove debris that harbors beetles.
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Spray with strong water stream, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap, maintain good air circulation.
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Avoid planting brassicas in same location for 4+ years, improve drainage, lime soil to pH 7+, use disease-resistant varieties.
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian Cuisine
CulinaryMei Qing is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly Chinese cuisine. The tender leaves and crisp petioles are perfect for quick stir-frying with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, retaining their crunch and subtle sweetness. [source]
Raw Salads & Fresh Eating
CulinaryYoung Mei Qing leaves and stems are tender and mild enough to eat fresh in salads. The combination of delicate greens and crisp white petioles provides excellent texture and a slightly sweet, mild flavor. [source]
Soups & Braised Dishes
CulinaryThe sturdy stems hold up well in soups and braised dishes, absorbing flavors while maintaining their crisp-tender texture. Popular in Asian broths and mixed vegetable preparations. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalMei Qing is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and antioxidants. It provides glucosinolates, compounds with potential anti-cancer properties, and is low in calories while being nutrient-dense. [source]
Microgreens Production
HouseholdMei Qing seeds can be grown as microgreens for fast, nutrient-dense harvests in 10-14 days. Microgreens offer concentrated nutrients and are used as garnishes and in health-focused cuisine. [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 Mei Qing when the rosette reaches 4-8 inches tall, typically 45-60 days after planting. Cut the entire plant at soil level in the morning for best crispness and tenderness, or harvest outer leaves individually for continuous picking. Young plants have the most tender leaves and are preferred for eating raw; larger plants can be cooked. Harvest before hot weather triggers bolting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mei Qing means 'beautiful green' in Chinese and is specifically bred for tenderness and quick maturity, making it ideal for home gardeners seeking fast harvests.
- 🌱 Unlike heading cabbage, Mei Qing doesn't form a tight head—it grows as an open rosette, making it more efficient at converting nutrients to harvestable leaves.
- 🌱 Mei Qing can be succession planted every 2-3 weeks in spring and fall for continuous harvests, but summer plantings require shade to prevent bolting in hot climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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