Bok Choy (Pac Choi) Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Bok Choy (Pac Choi) Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Bok Choy

Planting Schedule:
Bok Choy thrives in cool weather and matures quickly. As early as late winter, begin direct sowing under frost protection, such as a cloche or heavy row cover. Plant seeds from four weeks before the last frost date up to eight weeks after without protection.

For continuous harvests, sow short rows every 2-3 weeks. Initiate another sowing session in late summer, applying frost protection as cooler temperatures return.


Seed Starting:
Place 3-4 seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½") deep at each planting site. After germination, thin out seedlings to leave the strongest one, spacing them 15-20cm (6-8") apart within rows set 30-45cm (12-18") from each other.


Growing:
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. To nourish your plants adequately, fertilize with 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10′) of row.

Pac Choi can be harvested at various growth stages; however, it is important to monitor it closely for bolting signs. Once you spot flower buds forming at the plant's center, indicating imminent bolting, plan to harvest immediately to capture peak freshness.


Harvesting:
Harvest by cutting plants at the soil level with a sharp knife. Bok Choy does not regrow after harvesting, so successive short rows are planted every few weeks for a sustained yield. This approach ensures a fresh, steady supply of Bok Choy for your table throughout the growing season.

Bok Choy Pests & Diseases

Slugs:
These nocturnal pests feed on the tender leaves of bok choy, leaving irregular holes and slimy trails.

Keep the garden free of debris where slugs can hide. Use copper tape or barriers around beds as copper deters slugs. Beer traps can also be effective in reducing slug populations.

Handpick slugs during the evening or early morning. Applying diatomaceous earth around the base of plants can deter slugs by causing physical damage to them as they crawl over it.


Woodlice (pillbugs)
While mostly scavengers, in large numbers, woodlice can damage young bok choy plants.

Remove leaf litter, mulch, and other debris near bok choy to eliminate woodlice hiding places. Ensure good drainage, as woodlice thrive in moist conditions.

To attract and dispose of woodlice, traps using hollowed-out citrus rinds or moistened, rolled-up newspapers placed near affected areas to attract or non-target impact; insecticides are generally not recommended for woodlice control in vegetable gardens.


Aphids:
These small, sap-sucking insects can cause bok choy leaves to curl and become distorted.

Planting flowers nearby encourages natural aphid predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. Reflective mulches can also deter aphids.

Spray aphids off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap. Neem oil can also be effective, mainly when used in the early stages of infestation.