How to Grow Bok Choy

Growing guide

Overview

Bok choy is a fast-growing Asian brassica that produces crisp, tender stems and mild leaves in just 45–60 days. Growers love it because it thrives in cool weather, tolerates light frost, and can be harvested leaf-by-leaf or as a whole head. It needs full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture, and rich, well-drained soil to avoid bolting.

Soil & planting prep

Bok choy grows best in loamy, well-drained, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Work in 2–3 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. Space plants 6–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart, and sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep.

When to plant

Start bok choy indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow outdoors 2–3 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop, sow seeds 6–8 weeks before the first expected fall frost. In mild-winter areas (zones 8–9), you can also plant in late summer for a winter harvest.

How to plant

1. Sow seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost in seed-starting mix, covering them ¼ inch deep.
2. Keep soil moist and at 60–70°F; seedlings emerge in 4–8 days.
3. Harden off seedlings for 3–4 days before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.
4. Transplant into rich, well-drained soil, spacing plants 6–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.
5. Water gently after planting and keep soil evenly moist; direct sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep if not starting indoors.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Planting too late in spring: bok choy bolts (goes to seed) when days lengthen and temperatures rise above 75°F, so start early or plant in late summer for a fall crop.
• Letting the soil dry out: dry conditions stress plants and trigger bolting, so water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Overcrowding: spacing plants closer than 6 inches reduces airflow and invites pests like aphids and flea beetles, so thin or transplant to the recommended spacing.
• Skipping pest control: flea beetles and cabbageworms can riddle leaves with holes; use row covers or handpick pests early.
• Harvesting too late: waiting until heads are fully mature or stems crack makes leaves tough and bitter, so pick outer leaves or cut heads when they are firm and 4–6 inches tall.

Harvesting & storage

Bok choy is ready 45–60 days after planting, when heads are firm and 4–6 inches tall. Harvest outer leaves continuously, or cut the whole head 2 inches above soil for regrowth. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Companion planting

Good companions include beets, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and spinach. Avoid planting near strawberries, tomatoes, or pole beans, which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.

Growing in containers

Bok choy grows well in containers at least 5 gallons in size. Use a rich potting mix, keep it evenly moist, and place it where it gets full sun to partial shade.

Pro tips

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow in fall. Harvest outer leaves continuously or cut the whole head at 2 inches above soil for regrowth. Keep moist — dry conditions trigger bolting.