Bok Choy

Growing

Bok choy grows in the cool air of spring or fall, so plant it early in the season or as a late succession. It adapts to conditions and can handle heavy clay, but does best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. This is a fast-growing annual, so it grows well in containers if they drain to prevent waterlogged roots.

Check the garden for common brassica pests. The plant contains secondary metabolites that can deter some herbivores, but frequent monitoring is still needed. If you see trouble, use organic integrated pest management, such as physical barriers or biological controls, to protect the crop. The plant produces nectar and pollen, so it attracts beneficial insects like bees and flies.

Harvest bok choy when the leaves are well-developed but before the plant bolts or flowers. It does not ripen further once picked, so timing matters. Harvest the heads while they are tender. An abundance of leaves can be blanched before freezing to preserve their texture. When storing in the fridge, keep the heads unwashed so they stay crisp.