How to Grow Pak Choi
Wikimedia Commons
Pak Choi
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
vegetablePak choi, also known as bok choy, is a leafy Asian green with white or green stalks and dark green leaves. It's a fast-growing, cool-season brassica that can be harvested young for tender leaves or allowed to mature for larger heads. This nutritious vegetable is versatile in the kitchen and relatively easy to grow in home gardens.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Pak Choi in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pak Choi timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pak Choi
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Pak Choi
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pak Choi dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler weather but can tolerate heat with proper care
Sign up free to see if Pak Choi grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pak Choi timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-10 daysSeeds sprout and first cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge from soil
Keep soil moist and warm (65-75°F); ensure good drainage to prevent damping off; thin seedlings to prevent crowding
Seedling
2-3 weeksTrue leaves begin to form; small rosette develops with 2-4 leaves
Provide adequate light to prevent leggy growth; maintain consistent moisture; thin to proper spacing if direct seeded; begin light fertilizing if needed
Maturity
1 week until bolting beginsFull-sized head forms with thick stalks and full leaf canopy; ready for harvesting
Maintain consistent watering to prevent bolting and ensure tender leaves; increase frequency in hot weather; watch for flowering initiation as heat stress triggers bolting
Bolting
Varies; accelerates in heatCentral flower stalk emerges from the head; leaves become tougher and more bitter; plant focuses energy on seed production
Harvest immediately if not bolted; remove entire plant if bolting has occurred; collect seeds if desired for next season; supplement plantings for continuous harvest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use floating row covers; hand-pick caterpillars; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage parasitic wasps
-
Use reflective mulches; apply neem oil; use kaolin clay spray; floating row covers for seedlings; encourage beneficial insects
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; attract parasitic wasps
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; improve air circulation
-
Maintain pH above 7.2; rotate crops; use disease-resistant varieties; remove infected plants; avoid overwatering
Uses
Fresh cooking and stir-fries
CulinaryPak choi is a staple in Asian cuisine, prized for its tender stalks and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Both the leaves and stems are edible and can be stir-fried, steamed, boiled, or eaten raw in salads. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron, pak choi supports bone health, immune function, and vision. Contains glucosinolates that may have anti-cancer properties. [source]
Detoxification support
HouseholdThe phytonutrients and antioxidants in pak choi may support natural detoxification processes in the body and reduce inflammation. [source]
Butterfly and beneficial insect host
WildlifeFlowering pak choi provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. Allows some plants to bolt for wildlife benefit. [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 baby pak choi at 3-4 weeks when heads are 4-6 inches tall for tender, mild flavor. For mature heads, wait 5-6 weeks until stalks are thick and fully formed. Cut at soil level with a sharp knife or harvest outer leaves first while leaving center to continue growing. Morning harvest when plants are crisp and cool is best. Harvest frequently to encourage tender new growth and prevent bolting. Can be harvested continuously by cutting outer leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pak choi has been cultivated in China for over 6,000 years and is one of the most important vegetables in Asian cuisine.
- 🌱 Unlike heading cabbages, pak choi's leaves grow in an open rosette around a central stem, making it faster to mature (30-45 days vs. 60-90 days for cabbage).
- 🌱 Some varieties have entirely white stalks while others are deep green, creating a beautiful contrast in the garden and kitchen presentation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pak Choi planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pak Choi seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pak Choi timeline →