Name: Organic 'Baby White Stem' Bok Choy
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Compact organic bok choy with broad white stalks Brassicaceae

Biologiquement vôtre

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameBok choy (pak choi)

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusBrassica

Speciesrapa subsp. chinensis

CultivarBaby White Stem

TypeCompact organic bok choy with broad white stalks

Botanical nameBrassica rapa subsp. chinensis

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Organic 'Baby White Stem' Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) brings crisp white stalks and tender green leaves to the cool-season vegetable garden. Also known as pak choi, this Asian green is harvested young for compact rosettes that cook quickly in a wok or soup pot. Its mild flavour works well with ginger, garlic and light sauces, while the contrasting stalks and foliage add texture to fresh harvest baskets. Choose baby plants for delicate portions or let individual rosettes develop further, adjusting their spacing to the size you intend to harvest.

For growing bok choy from seed, sow about 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in moist, well-drained soil. The supplied growing information gives a germination range of approximately 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F). Plan spring and late-summer sowings around local conditions rather than a single calendar for all of Canada. Thin seedlings before neighbouring leaves become crowded, and water gently so the shallow seedbed does not dry out. Insect mesh installed from sowing helps protect the young foliage from flea beetles. Check beneath the cover regularly, particularly during warm spells.

Harvest 'Baby White Stem' for its tender leaves and crunchy stalks before the flowering stem stretches upward. The supplied maturity estimate is around 40 days, but baby plants can be picked according to their size and texture. Cut a whole rosette cleanly at the base, or take a few outer leaves without damaging the growing centre. A wide container offers room for several small plants if drainage and moisture are maintained. Separate the stalks when washing, since soil can collect at their bases, and add the leaves near the end of cooking.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun / partial shade
Life cycle: Cool-season annual vegetable

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

6 mm (1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Baby plants: 10–15 cm; large rosettes: 20–30 cm, with 30–45 cm between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F)

Germination time

Approximately 6 to 10 days

Sowing period

Spring and late summer; successive sowings possible in cool weather

Propagation

Direct sowing or small plugs transplanted without disturbing roots

Growing method

Growing 'Baby White Stem' bok choy from seed. Level fine moist soil, sow 6 mm (1/4 in) deep, then firm lightly. Provide immediate light after emergence so the young rosettes remain compact. Choose a position for 'Baby White Stem' with full sun to partial shade without sacrificing airflow or watering access. Harden indoor starts gradually and protect them from severe frost or drying wind. The spacing guidance for 'Baby White Stem' Bok Choy is baby plants: 10–15 cm; large rosettes: 20–30 cm, with 30–45 cm between rows; use it when balancing airflow with the available growing area. Use a clean row marker and avoid burying small seed more deeply than the current instructions specify. For the planting, the expected harvest form—compact upright rosette with dark-green leaves and broad, fleshy white stalks—helps confirm crop identity, while local warmth and plant health still influence maturity. Choose sun in cool weather and light afternoon shade when heat would hasten bolting. Leave the rosette open to light, airflow, and watering at soil level. Its growth is compact dense upright rosette. Feed moderately; soft, overfed leaves are harder to cool and store. Harvest after dew dries, shade the leaves promptly, and remove bolting plants before the next succession. Harvest this leafy crop at the leaf, rosette, or head stage described for the product. Cut with a clean tool after dew dries, shade the harvest immediately, and remove bolting or diseased plants before they affect the next succession.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Evenly moist soil; good airflow around foliage

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist to support tender stalks and reduce moisture stress.

Soil type

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing to support rapid leaf and stalk growth. In fertile soil one light balanced application at establishment is generally sufficient. If foliage pales after thinning, side-dress one small nitrogen dose and water, following label directions. Avoid strong or late feeding; overly soft growth attracts some pests, increases disorders, and does not correct lack of water or excessive temperature. Never place granular fertilizer in rosette centres and stop feeding shortly before whole-plant harvest.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Baby White Stem' bok choy. For the first sowing of 'Baby White Stem' Bok Choy, use this crop-specific timing as a guide and adjust it to the garden: spring and late summer; successive sowings possible in cool weather. Sow 6 mm deep at approximately 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F); the working germination range is 6 to 10 days, with moisture held steady rather than saturated. Raise seedlings in bright light or sow directly into a loose, fertile bed once cool-season conditions suit the crop. Thin or transplant to the stated spacing, setting the crown at soil level and firming soil gently around the roots. Keep moisture steady as leaves and stems expand, while preserving drainage and airflow after rain or overhead irrigation. If potted, follow this provision for 'Baby White Stem' Bok Choy: at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette. Recheck root-zone moisture whenever heat or wind increases evaporation. Inspect leaves frequently for flea beetles, caterpillars, and slugs, especially while the edible centre is still small. A light cover can protect young plants from insects or cool wind, but remove or vent it before heat builds around the foliage. Plan harvest from the supplied guidance—approximately 40 days—then use actual size and tenderness rather than forcing an exact calendar date. Cut before open flowers reduce culinary quality, leaving productive side shoots only where the crop naturally supplies them. If summer heat ends the crop, clear bolted stems; where autumns are long enough, start a separate late sowing as temperatures moderate.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette

Growing 'Baby White Stem' bok choy in containers. For 'Baby White Stem', choose a container matching this guide: at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Use fresh, fine potting mix that holds steady moisture while allowing surplus water to escape. Plan around the way 'Baby White Stem' grows: compact dense upright rosette. Keep access to the root zone for watering and inspection. Check the shallow root zone often and water before it dries deeply, always emptying the saucer. As the crop matures, use the expected harvest form—compact upright rosette with dark-green leaves and broad, fleshy white stalks—to guide support, inspection, and careful picking. Feed lightly only when growth or leaf colour shows a need. At final planting, space this leafy crop baby plants: 10–15 cm; large rosettes: 20–30 cm, with 30–45 cm between rows; crowding extra plants reduces access. Thin plants for airflow and use removed sound seedlings promptly rather than leaving debris. Give the rosette full sun to partial shade. Choose the site before committing the final planting position. Harvest clean outer leaves while preserving the centre, or cut the whole plant at its intended stage with a clean knife. Cut clean leaves before bolting, cool them promptly, and remove diseased potting debris from reuse. Succession-sow another labelled container instead of keeping bolting the crop. Remove diseased mix from reuse, wash the pot, and cool every edible harvest promptly.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in); harvest as baby greens from 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) at the baby-rosette stage

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Compact dense upright rosette

Edible parts

Leaves and stalks

Bloom period

Small yellow flowers appear when the rosette sends up a central stem, generally in response to long days, heat, or stalled growth. Flowering is not sought for leaf and stalk harvest. Cut the plant once the centre elongates to preserve tenderness. If several plants are allowed to bloom, small insects may visit them, but remove stems before dispersal when volunteer seedlings are unwanted.

Fruiting

After flowering, the plant forms slender pods containing seeds. This stage reduces culinary leaf quality and is unnecessary for harvest. Remove stems before pods open when volunteer seedlings are unwanted. Because the selection's hybrid or open-pollinated status is not confirmed, do not assume that saved seed will reproduce the commercial type faithfully. Keep any experimental seed clearly separated and labelled.

Days to maturity

Approximately 40 days

Harvest

For baby plants, harvest once rosettes reach useful size. For full size, check around 40 days after sowing once leaves are bright green and stalks thick but still tender. Cut the plant at the crown early in the morning or pick outer leaves while leaving the centre intact. Chill promptly, refrigerate in a perforated bag, and wash only before use. Harvest immediately if the central stem elongates or flower buds appear.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Radishes, peas, and early lettuces may occupy neighbouring rows when they create neither shade nor competition. Radishes are harvested quickly; place peas far enough away that their support does not deprive pak choi of light. Respect spacing, preserve access for netting, and water every crop according to its needs. This arrangement improves use of the vegetable bed but does not guarantee protection from pests or diseases. Rotate crop groups between seasons when practical. Keep one clear path for netting, watering, inspection, and harvest.

Plants to avoid

Altises, piéride du chou, limaces et pucerons.

Other recommended plants

'California Wonder' sweet pepper; 'Topepo Rosso' red pepper.

Garden use

'Baby White Stem' bok choy in the vegetable garden. Use this compact Asian green in spring and autumn successions, when cool temperatures support tender leaves and crisp white stems. Direct-sow shallowly or transplant young plugs without burying the crown. Space for baby heads according to the packet, allowing air between plants. Keep the shallow root zone evenly moist and use clean mulch after establishment to reduce splashing and rapid drying. Heat, long days, and transplant stress can trigger bolting, so avoid oversized root-bound plugs and choose the coolest available site for late spring crops. Make several short sowings rather than one large planting. Harvest whole heads near the soil line when stems are filled but before a flower stalk elongates, or take a few outer leaves while preserving the centre. Inspect for flea beetles, slugs, and cabbageworms. Fine insect netting can protect the row if installed immediately and sealed at the edges. Remove yellowing or decayed leaves and maintain weed-free airflow. Rotate with non-brassica crops, especially where clubroot or persistent leaf disease occurs. In a container, ensure drainage and move it into afternoon shade during unexpected heat. Record sowing and bolting dates.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Baby White Stem' bok choy in the kitchen. Baby White Stem stir-fry — Separate four small heads into leaves, rinse well around the white bases, and dry. Halve any thick stems lengthwise. Mix 15 mL soy sauce, 10 mL rice vinegar, 5 mL toasted sesame oil, and 30 mL water in a cup. Heat 15 mL neutral oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the white stems first and stir-fry for two minutes; add one minced garlic clove, 5 mL grated ginger, and the green leaves. Cook for another minute, then pour in the sauce and toss until the stems are crisp-tender and the leaves wilt. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or tofu. Cooking the two textures in sequence keeps the leaves from becoming limp before the stems soften. Discard slimy or decayed leaves and keep rinsed bok choy separate from unwashed garden produce. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat only the amount needed until steaming.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Baby White Stem is harvested as a compact leafy rosette and needs no pollination for that crop. Heat or maturity can trigger yellow Brassica flowers that bees and hoverflies may visit, but bolting reduces eating quality. Let only an unneeded healthy plant flower for observation, and use dedicated flowering plants when dependable pollinator forage is desired.

Frequently asked questions

Can Baby White Stem be eaten raw?

Yes, especially while leaves and stalks are young clean and crisp. Thoroughly wash in potable water, dry, then slice thinly for salad or garnish. More developed plants remain edible but their stalks often benefit from stir-frying, steaming, or adding to broth. Harvest before bolting because an elongated flower stalk may make texture firmer and flavour stronger. Separate stalks from leaves to control texture more precisely. Keep rosettes refrigerated until preparation and discard slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling tissue. People with specific dietary requirements may prefer a fully cooked serving. Use clean utensils and keep washed produce separate from raw animal foods.

Why does pak choi bolt quickly?

Bolting may be triggered by unstable temperatures, long days, heat, drought, or stalled growth after transplanting. Sow mainly during cool spring and late summer, maintain even moisture, and avoid root-bound plants. Light partial shade helps during heat. If the central stem elongates, harvest immediately; removing buds does not permanently return the plant to a tender rosette. Label sowing dates and favour small batches so one temperature change does not affect the entire crop. Fast, uninterrupted growth is the most useful practical prevention. Do not add extra fertilizer before checking heat, moisture, crowding, and root disturbance. Harvest promptly once the centre elongates.

How can foliage be protected from flea beetles?

Cover the row with fine insect netting immediately after sowing or transplanting, before flea beetles reach the young bok choy. Support the mesh so it does not abrade the leaves, seal every edge with soil or weights, and inspect underneath because insects can occasionally be trapped inside. Repair holes promptly and close the cover after thinning, watering, or harvesting. Rotate brassicas with unrelated crops and remove nearby mustard-family weeds that may shelter the pest. Even moisture keeps plants growing without the stress that can magnify feeding damage. After heavy rain, lift any mesh resting on foliage and confirm that the bed drains freely. Identify any remaining pest before choosing an authorized control and follow its Canadian label exactly.

Can only outer leaves be harvested?

Yes. Pick one or two outer leaves at a time with a clean knife without injuring the centre, then let the rosette continue growing. This extends harvest but provides less uniform stalks than whole-plant cutting. Do not remove more than one third of foliage in one pass. If the plant bolts, yellows, or becomes badly pest-damaged, harvest remaining sound parts then replace it. Work early in the morning, use a clean tool, and chill cut leaves immediately. Steady moisture after harvest helps the centre continue growing without stress. Keep the crown free of damaged tissue and monitor it for pests.

Can Baby White Stem be grown in a container?

Baby White Stem pak choi grows well in a container. For one large rosette, use a pot at least 25 to 30 cm deep and wide with free drainage. Baby plants can be spaced 10–15 cm apart in a broader planter, while full rosettes need roughly 20–30 cm. Fill with an even, moisture-retentive mix that does not stay saturated. This is a cool-season crop, so protect the container from strong afternoon heat and check moisture often because broad leaves lose water quickly. Baby greens can be taken at 10 to 15 cm, while a mature crop is listed near 40 days. Harvest the dark-green leaves and broad white stalks before a flower stem rises. Wash thoroughly and discard damaged or slimy tissue.