UC Links
Pest management
Boy choy is susceptible to the same pests and diseases that affect all brassica (cabbage family) crops. See Cabbage cultural tips, pests, and diseases.
The Basics
When to plant
- February to April and September to October.
- Bok choy is prone to bolting if planted too early or during warm weather.
Care overview
- Select a sunny spot with well-amended, fertile soil.
- Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- When plants are about 4 inches tall, thin to 6 to 8 inches apart.
Harvest window
- Harvest about a month after sowing, when they are about 1 foot tall.
- Entire plants may be harvested to thin the crop and give remaining plants more room.
- Bok choy will bolt (go to flower) quickly if not harvested.
Video
- Growing Great Bok Choy (8/12/21) [1 hr 1 min]
More links
- Descriptions of similar Asian vegetables: Crucifer Family
- Asian Vegetable Trial
- Harvesting and Cooking Tips for Asian Vegetables
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Fen Jen | Strong, beautiful, good germination |
| Golden Yellow | Lovely, tall, great roots, good germination |
| Mei Qing | Mixed germination, medium strong, roots okay |
| Pat Choi green | Small plants, very weak roots, poor germination |
| San Fan | Strong, tall, vigorous roots, good germination |
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.