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How to Grow Bok Choy

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Category vegetable
Type Leaf
Days to Maturity 45 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular (consistent moisture)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Depth

0.5" deep

📏

Height

12-18"

🌱

Germination

4-7 days

Ready to Grow Bok Choy?

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to bolt and seed pods to dry on the stalk before harvesting.

Processing

Thresh dried stalks, winnow to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Brassica rapa — crosses with turnip, napa cabbage, and Chinese cabbage. Isolate by 300 feet.

Seed Storage Supplies

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Bok Choy. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Bok Choy Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Bok Choy Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bok Choy? +

Sow Bok Choy seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Bok Choy take to grow? +

Bok Choy typically matures in about 45 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Bok Choy indoors or direct sow? +

Bok Choy does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Bok Choy need? +

Bok Choy requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Bok Choy? +

Space Bok Choy plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Bok Choy need? +

Bok Choy has regular (consistent moisture) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Bok Choy? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Bok Choy is rated moderate. Allow plants to bolt and seed pods to dry on the stalk before harvesting. Thresh dried stalks, winnow to separate seeds.

How long do Bok Choy seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Bok Choy seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Bok Choy seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Bok Choy is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Bok Choy

Fast-growing Asian green with crisp stalks and mild flavor. Bolt-resistant in cool weather. Great for stir-fries and soups.

Expect your Bok Choy to be ready for harvest in approximately 45 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.