Bok Choy
cool-season crop
At a glance
| Suitable zone groups | All four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10), as a cool-season annual |
|---|---|
| Planting window | See the guide text below, in general terms relative to your last spring frost |
| Sun | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-draining soil |
| Watering | Consistent moisture |
About this plant
Bok choy offers tender leaves and crisp stalks for simple meals. It suits all four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) as a cool-season annual, in full sun to partial shade.
Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture. Give plants enough room for their leafy bases to expand, and handle the stalks gently at harvest.
Common beginner failures and fixes
- Plants send up flower stalks early: Start the next planting in a suitable cool-season window and avoid letting plants dry out.
- Leaves wilt and stalks lose crispness: Check the root area and restore consistent soil moisture.
- Chewed leaves slow young plants: Inspect leaf undersides and use insect mesh to protect seedlings.
- Plants remain cramped and small: Thin or space plants according to the variety's packet instructions.
Beginner checklist
- Choose a cool-season planting window for your zone group.
- Find a location with full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare rich, moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture.
- Leave room for each leafy base to expand.
Zone groups and planting windows here are general guidance. Confirm your own zone and last frost date locally before planting.