Organic 'White Stemmed Pak Choi' Chinese Cabbage
Organic 'White Stemmed Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) from the seed company Gaia, a heritage variety with fleshy white stems and glossy leaves
The 'White Stemmed' pak choi forms open, supple plants with thick, crisp white stems topped with smooth, glossy, bright green leaves . Its more airy habit compared to some compact varieties makes it an excellent choice for harvesting young leaves , while still maintaining a good appearance when harvested at maturity. The leaves are succulent , with a tender texture and a mild, typical brassica flavor .
This open-pollinated heirloom variety, pak choi, is particularly prized as a versatile leafy vegetable , equally at home in salad mixes or as a braising vegetable . It is distinguished by its rapid growth and enhanced flavor in the fall , after a few cool nights, making it a reliable crop from spring until the end of the season.
Companion plants: Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber, Marjoram, Peas, Strawberries
Spread/Wear: Open, flexible
Plant height: 25 to 35 cm
Quantity per packet: Approximately 150 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Heirloom variety, fleshy white stems, ideal for young leaves, mild flavor, quick harvest
Leaf color: Bright green
Texture/flavor: Thick and juicy leaves, mild taste
Cold tolerance: Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors from early spring to mid-summer , at a depth of 0.6 to 1.2 cm , initially spacing the seeds about 2.5 cm apart. Maintain regular and abundant watering to ensure rapid and tender growth. After germination, thin to 30 to 38 cm apart to allow for good development of mature plants, in cool, rich, and well-drained soil .
Pak choi prefers full sun (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2) . Cool temperatures promote better texture and limit bolting.
Harvesting and preservation
Begin harvesting when the plants reach about 7 to 8 cm in height, picking a few young leaves at a time, or harvest the entire plant for a single cut. Harvesting typically takes place 30 to 50 days after sowing . The flavor is optimal in autumn , after a few cool nights. The leaves will keep for a few days in the refrigerator after harvesting.
Usage ideas
• Young leaves in fresh salads
• Vegetables to braise or sauté
• Incorporated into Asian soups and dishes
• Leaf-by-leaf harvesting in continuous cultivation
• Fast-growing vegetable for intensive vegetable gardens
The 'White Stemmed' pak choi is prized for its simplicity , tenderness , and culinary versatility , offering a quick and flavorful harvest from spring to autumn. A reliable heirloom variety, ideal for gardeners seeking freshness and mildness in their vegetable patch.
