Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

Sowing and care guidance

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis seeds favour cool conditions and steady moisture. Sow after last frost for spring harvests, or in late summer to autumn for reliable growth; in mild winters, sow under protection. Choose a fertile, moisture‑retentive yet well‑drained soil in full sun to light shade. Start in rows or modules, then thin or transplant to maintain good air flow and allow full rosette development, following packet spacing guidance. Keep evenly watered to prevent checks that encourage bolting, and mulch to conserve moisture. Provide light shade during hot spells and simple protection in cold snaps. Suitable for baby-leaf use or for compact to medium mature heads.

• Sow in cool conditions: after last frost; late summer to autumn; in mild winters, under protection.
• Provide full sun to light shade; grow in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
• Allow good air flow and space for full rosette development; follow packet guidance.
• Maintain even moisture to limit bolting; mulch helps retain soil water.
• Suited to containers; choose a pot with adequate depth and water consistently.
• Grown as an edible leafy brassica; suitable for baby-leaf or mature heads.

When should I sow pak choi seeds?

Sow in cool conditions. For spring harvests, sow after the last frost when soil is workable; for the most reliable growth, sow again in late summer to autumn so plants mature in cooler, shorter days. In mild winters, protected sowings under cloches or in an unheated greenhouse can succeed. Avoid peak heat, which encourages bolting. For continuous harvests, succession sow small amounts every 2–3 weeks within these windows. Where early or late chills threaten, use fleece or mesh to buffer temperature swings and protect seedlings.

How do I grow bok choy from seed successfully?

Direct sow 0.5 cm deep in fine, moist soil or start in modules and transplant promptly to avoid growth checks. Ideal germination occurs in cool to mild temperatures (roughly 10–20°C), with seedlings typically emerging in 3–7 days. Keep the seedbed evenly moist but not waterlogged. If direct sowing, thin in stages to final spacing as plants size up. Maintain steady growth with consistent moisture and a fertile, well-prepared bed. Brief, light shade during hot spells and insect mesh over young plants help reduce stress and pest pressure that can slow establishment.

What is the best soil, sun, and moisture setup for Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis?

These greens prefer full sun to light shade and grow best in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter to hold water without causing saturation, and mulch to moderate soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Even moisture is key to steady growth; let the top layer dry slightly between waterings but avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging. In hotter periods, light afternoon shade helps limit stress, while good airflow around plants reduces the chance of foliar diseases in damp conditions.

What spacing should I use for bok choy, and how tall will plants get?

Allow ample room for a full rosette and good airflow. For baby heads, thin or plant to about 10–15 cm apart in rows 20–30 cm apart. For full-size plants, space 20–30 cm apart in rows 30–45 cm apart. Compact to medium forms are common, with mature plants typically forming low rosettes rather than tall stems. Adjust spacing to variety size and growing conditions, and follow packet guidance when available. Early thinning prevents crowding, which can invite disease and increase the risk of bolting.

Can bok choy be grown in containers, and what size is best?

Yes. Use a wide container at least 20–25 cm deep with ample drainage and a high-quality, moisture-retentive potting mix. Space as for in-ground crops (tighter for baby heads), and water consistently, as containers dry faster. A slow-release, balanced feed or periodic liquid feeds support steady growth. Position in full sun to light shade; provide light shade during heatwaves. Troughs or window boxes work well for staggered plantings, and insect mesh can help keep flea beetles and other pests off tender foliage.

How can I prevent bolting in Asian greens like pak choi?

Grow in cool conditions and avoid stress. Time sowings so plants mature outside peak heat and long-day periods, maintain even soil moisture with mulch, and provide light shade in hot spells. Space plants adequately for airflow, and avoid growth checks from root disturbance or nutrient lapses; if transplanting, move seedlings while small. Brief protection from sudden cold snaps or heat spikes helps, as both extremes can trigger early flowering. Harvest promptly at the desired size rather than holding plants too long.

Growing information on this site is general, based on typical conditions, and may vary with microclimate, soil type, and timing (for example, after last frost or when soil is workable). Product pages include variety-specific instructions. Seeds and plant material are sourced from vetted suppliers and packed under documented quality controls, with lot traceability and labelling aligned to relevant seed standards. Availability and specifications may change with seasonal production and storage factors.

Leafy Brassica Cultivation Notes

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis seeds suit cool-season cultivation and steady growth. Sow when soil is workable and after last frost, or start under cover and transplant once seedlings have two to three true leaves. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for winter harvests. Use a fertile, well-drained bed with consistent moisture; incorporate mature compost and keep soils evenly damp. Sow 5–10 mm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart, with 30–40 cm between rows. Provide full sun in cool weather and light shade during heat to minimise bolting. For a continuous supply, succession sow every 2–3 weeks. Protect young plants from flea beetles and slugs, and maintain even watering to reduce stress. Harvest baby leaves young or cut mature rosettes at the base; many cultivars regrow for a second, lighter flush. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and remove any yellowing leaves to keep airflow and quality high.