Brassica rapa ‘Pak-Choï Shanghai’ — Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy. Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming.
Sowing bok choy seeds: May to August. The depth to be respected is 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
In the garden, its rapid growth gives an immediate impression of generosity, ideal for frequent harvests and successive crops. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. The foliage eventually covers much of the soil: weed early, before access becomes difficult. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest.
Light and life cycle
In the garden
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Annual
Sowing and germination
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in.)
Germination temperature
18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Sowing period
May to August
Propagation
From seed
Growing method
Recommended planting period: May to August. The depth to be respected is 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden.
Soil and care
Soil and care
Soil & care
Moisture
Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist while the plants become established and while the part you intend to harvest is developing. Water at the base of the plant, providing enough to moisten the root zone, then allow the excess water to drain away. A layer of mulch can help limit drying between waterings, provided it is kept away from direct contact with the stems. Check plants growing in containers more frequently, because their potting mix can dry out quickly. Reduce watering after rainfall and avoid leaving the roots in soil that remains constantly saturated with water.
Soil type
Prepare well-drained soil for planting. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.
Seasonal care
Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through. Leave enough access to inspect the centre of the plant or its developing head. Plan to harvest while the edible parts are still at the desired stage, before they harden or open. Use a clean knife to cut without tearing the foliage you want to keep. Monitor brassica crops closely from the time they are planted in the garden. Check the undersides of the leaves for small caterpillars and the first signs of feeding damage. Netting put in place early can protect the crop, provided it leaves enough room for the foliage to grow. Close the edges well after treatment, without blocking the leaves against the mesh. Recommended planting period: May to August. The depth to be respected is 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in).
Growing in containers
Container growing
Container growing
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming. In the garden, its rapid growth gives an immediate impression of generosity, ideal for frequent harvests and successive crops. Check drainage holes regularly.
Growth and harvest
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
15-20 cm (6-8 in.)
Width / spread
20-30 cm (8-12 in.)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Growth habit
Compact rosette
Edible parts
Sheets
Bloom period
Flowering usually occurs in this period: summer. For a crop grown as a vegetable, bolting marks a change in the plant’s stage of growth that needs to be watched. Harvest the parts you intend to use in the kitchen before they lose the texture you want for cooking or eating. Set aside a few separate plants if you want to observe the flowers as they open. The actual timing depends on when the seeds were sown, the temperatures and the development of the individual plants.
Fruiting
Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming.
Harvest
45 days after sowing
Garden companions
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: carrots, radishes, beans. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant.
Garden use
Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. As the plants grow, their foliage will cover much of the soil surface, so weed the bed early while you can still reach between the plants easily. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Very sought after in Asian cuisine, it also easily finds its place in family vegetable gardens thanks to its simple culture and culinary versatility. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming. In the garden, its rapid growth gives an immediate impression of generosity, ideal for frequent harvests and successive crops.
Recipe and storage
Recipe idea
From garden to table
Recipe idea using Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy: vegetable stir-fry for four servings. Prepare 400 g of the harvested part, a clove of garlic, 15 ml of oil and 30 ml of water. Cut stems, leaf ribs or other firm parts into small pieces, and set the leaves aside to add separately. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic without burning it, then add the firm pieces and water. Cover for a few minutes. Then add the leaves or other tender parts and continue cooking until they reach the texture you prefer. Season to taste and serve hot. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy from seed?
Recommended planting period: May to August. The depth to be respected is 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Young cabbages require light to form short, vigorous plants. Transplant before the roots become crowded, then gradually harden off the plants to outdoor conditions. Plant them in prepared soil that retains consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid crowding the plants because they are small at first: mature foliage takes up much more space as the crop develops.
Can I grow Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). In a container, give each cabbage enough space so that its foliage is not pressed against the leaves of a neighbouring plant. The pot should remain stable as the part you intend to harvest grows larger and heavier. Keep the root ball evenly moist and check the undersides of the leaves when watering the plants. Choose the container according to the plant’s mature size, even if the young plant still looks small when it is time to pot it up. Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest.
When can I harvest Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy?
Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming. In the garden, its rapid growth gives an immediate impression of generosity, ideal for frequent harvests and successive crops.
What makes Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy distinctive in the garden?
Organic Pak-Choï Shanghai bok choy is a compact, attractive variety that brings a fresh appearance to the vegetable garden, combining a dense arrangement of foliage with a delicate flavour at harvest. Its tender white stalks and dark green, spoon-shaped leaves give Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis a small, outward-spreading form that is both decorative and productive in the vegetable bed. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness make it a popular kitchen ingredient, suitable for adding to fresh salads, quick stir-fries, soups and dishes prepared by steaming. In the garden, its rapid growth gives an immediate impression of generosity, ideal for frequent harvests and successive crops.
How do I arrange a planting of Pak-Choï Shanghai Bok Choy?
Plant cabbages in rows with enough space to inspect the base and centre of each plant. As the plants grow, their foliage will cover much of the soil surface, so weed the bed early while you can still reach between the plants easily. Avoid placing small, fragile crops directly under their leaves. Well-spaced planting also makes it easier to install protective netting and cut mature cabbage heads or stems at harvest. Inspect cabbage leaves, especially their undersides, for early signs of eggs, caterpillars or feeding damage. Suitable insect netting can help protect the foliage while still allowing air and light to pass through.
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