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Compact organic pak choi with pale-green stalks
Brassicaceae
Organic Asian leafy vegetable seeds
Organic 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Product code : BIOVO-0025
Shanghai Pak Choi is a cool-season organic Chinese cabbage grown as an annual vegetable. It quickly forms a compact rosette of bright-green leaves and fleshy tender crisp stalks. The selection contains approximately 100 seeds. Germination generally takes 5–10 days at 15–22°C; plants reach 30–35 cm tall and spread 20–30 cm, then are harvested around 40 days. Its mild flavour suits stir-fries, soups, steaming, and raw baby leaves. Harvest tender baby leaves or wait for one full rosette. Steady moisture, light shade during warm periods, and insect netting installed early help preserve quality. Short successive rows distribute the harvest, reduce the effect of one hot spell, and make this vegetable useful before or after a summer crop.
- Quantity
- Approximately 100 seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Cool-season annual vegetable
Discover the plant
Common nameShanghai pak choi, Shanghai bok choy, Chinese cabbage
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
Speciesrapa subsp. chinensis
TypeCompact organic pak choi with pale-green stalks
Botanical nameBrassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Organic 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a fast-growing annual Asian leafy vegetable. It forms one compact rosette of bright-green leaves on fleshy tender crisp, generally pale-green petioles. Mild slightly sweet flavour suits stir-fries, soups, broths, steaming, and salads when leaves are young. Its neat dense habit also adds attractive texture to edible gardens and containers. The selection contains approximately 100 organic seeds, making several small cool-season batches practical for home gardens and containers. It also uses compact garden spaces efficiently for home harvests.
Direct-sow April through August 1–1.5 cm deep in rich moist well-drained soil. Keep the bed moist during the 5–10 day germination period, then thin to allow approximately 20–30 cm for large rosettes; closer culture suits baby plants. Sun supports growth in spring and autumn while light partial shade reduces stress during warm periods. Steady growth without drought or excess nitrogen helps keep petioles tender and limits premature bolting. Fine mulch after thinning also helps stabilize moisture, while a clear path allows soil-level watering without compacting the root zone. Label every short sowing clearly.
The selection contains approximately 100 seeds. Plants reach 30–35 cm tall and spread 20–30 cm, then are harvested around 40 days after sowing. Cut the whole plant at the crown or gradually pick outer leaves. Monitor flea beetles from emergence and brassica caterpillars later; insect netting installed immediately provides protection without restricting growth. Make small successive batches in spring and again in late summer so one hot spell does not bolt the entire crop. Chill harvested leaves promptly, wash only before use, and discard tissue that is slimy, mouldy, badly pest-damaged, or abnormally scented.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 1 to 1.5 cm (⅜ to ⅝ in)
Spacing / density
Baby plants: 10–15 cm; large rosettes: 20–30 cm, with 30–45 cm between rows
Germination temperature
Approximately 15 to 22 °C (59 to 72 °F)
Germination time
Approximately 5 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 shanghai pak choi, shanghai bok choy, chinese cabbage from seed. Level fine moist soil, sow 1–1.5 cm deep, then firm lightly. Keep moist until emergence. Thin to 10–15 cm for baby plants or 20–30 cm for large rosettes with 30–45 cm between rows. Install insect netting immediately without letting it rest on foliage. Make one small batch every two weeks, water after thinning, and provide light shade during strong heat. Harvest before bolting. After emergence, thin early so remaining rosettes retain enough light and airflow. Hand weed to avoid uprooting shallow plants, then apply very fine mulch without covering crowns. Inspect netting after wind and confirm that no flea beetles are trapped beneath it. Lift protection briefly for weeding or harvest, then reseal it immediately. During warm weather, water at soil level in the morning and provide light afternoon shade. Pick outer leaves with a clean tool or cut the whole rosette at the crown. Chill promptly, wash only before use, and replace bolting batches with new sowings when cool conditions return. Label every strip, remove yellow or badly damaged tissue, and keep a clear path for watering without compacting the root zone. Harvest promptly before bolting begins. Keep tools clean.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Keep the surface consistently moist during the 5–10 day germination period with a gentle stream so seed is not displaced. After emergence, water deeply once the top one or two centimetres begin to dry. Alternating drought and excess water makes stalks less tender, slows growth, and may trigger early bolting. Water at soil level in the morning or use drip, then apply light mulch after thinning. Avoid wetting foliage unnecessarily in the evening. Check containers and young rows daily during hot or windy periods.
Soil type
Prepare loose, moist, fertile, very well-drained soil enriched with mature compost before sowing. Shanghai Pak Choi grows quickly and has relatively shallow roots; crusted, compact, or very sandy soil slows rosettes and increases stress. Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0–7.0. Avoid fresh manure and areas where water stands. Rich but aerated beds encourage thick stalks without rot. Rotate away from other brassicas where clubroot, rots, or soil pests have been problematic.
Fertilization
Shanghai pak choi responds best to moderate fertility and even moisture. Let a soil test guide any corrective amendment. For 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage, its leafy harvest should grow steadily without becoming soft. Never place fertilizer directly against young roots. Heavy feeding makes this compact dense upright rosette leafy crop producing bright-green leaves on fleshy more vulnerable to stress. Use new growth to judge whether nutrition is adequate. For Shanghai pak choi, its leaf rosette benefits from cool, consistently moist soil. Apply every fertilizer at its labelled rate. Stop feeding 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage well before the intended harvest.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil; good airflow around foliage
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for shanghai pak choi, shanghai bok choy, chinese cabbage. In spring sow short batches and immediately protect with insect netting against flea beetles. In summer use light partial shade, mulch, and harvest young as soon as a central stem elongates. In late summer begin new batches to benefit from cool autumn nights. Hand weed, maintain continuous growth, and inspect leaf undersides for eggs and caterpillars. Remove residues after harvest and do not leave diseased plants to decompose in place. After every emergence, check netting edges, thin clumps, and remove weeds that also belong to the brassica family. During wet weather, ventilate protection and avoid handling soaked foliage. In windy periods, check container and young-row moisture daily. In autumn, light cover can protect from a sharp temperature drop, but harvest plants whose central stems begin to elongate. After each cutting, sort leaves, chill them without delay, and check the space left for neighbouring rosettes. At the end of the crop, remove roots, clean tools and netting, then record the dates that produced the most tender leaves. Keep paths free of debris, replace damaged covers, and rotate away from beds where persistent soil problems or heavy brassica pest pressure occurred. Before another sowing, level the surface, verify drainage, and replace soiled mulch. Do not compensate for excessive heat with more fertilizer. When nights become cool again, begin several small batches instead of one large row to spread risk and harvest. Wash harvested leaves only before use and refrigerate promptly.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette
Growing shanghai pak choi, shanghai bok choy, chinese cabbage in containers. Choose a container at least 25–30 cm deep and wide with numerous holes. Allow one full-size plant per pot or several baby plants in one wide box. Use rich light well-drained mix and keep it consistently moist without leaving water in the saucer. Place in sun during cool weather and light afternoon shade during warm periods. Install insect netting from emergence, check moisture daily, and harvest before the central stem elongates. Divide one wide box into small sections sown on different dates to stagger harvest. Thin before roots become crowded and rotate the container for even light. Raise the pot slightly, empty the saucer after watering, and keep leaves away from a dirty rim. After cutting, maintain steady moisture for remaining rosettes. During heat, move the container to a bright site receiving light afternoon shade. Harvest early in the morning, chill immediately, and clean the box before another crop. Remove damaged leaves promptly, keep netting above the foliage, and inspect drainage holes after heavy watering. Keep every section labelled and harvest the oldest first. Renew growing mix after persistent disease, clean cutting tools, and avoid leaving uprooted brassica residue in the container between batches.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in)
Width / spread
Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Bright green to pale green
Foliage type
Herbaceous foliage in a compact rosette
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Compact dense upright rosette
Fragrance
Mild, fresh, lightly sweet flavour with tender crisp stalks
Bloom period
Shanghai pak choi flowers only after shifting away from harvest growth. Keep the root zone evenly moist during bloom. As 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage bolts, leaf or root harvest quality changes. Support stems before the developing harvest adds weight. Lengthening days or stress can hasten this compact dense upright rosette leafy crop producing bright-green leaves on fleshy's bolting. Check moisture before blaming poor set on fertility. For Shanghai pak choi, its seed stalk becomes taller and less harvest-focused. Good light and airflow help reproductive growth continue. Remove 'Shanghai Pak Choi' Chinese cabbage before seed disperses if volunteers are unwanted.
Fruiting
Baby White Stem pak choi is harvested for its leaves and white stalks, not for fruit. Its useful eating stage is the compact leafy rosette before a central flower stem develops. Cut young plants for tender whole servings or allow more leaf mass to form. Bolting marks a change in the crop: seed pods follow flowering, while the leaves and stems generally become less desirable for the kitchen.
Days to maturity
Approximately 40 days after sowing
Harvest
Cut Baby White Stem pak choi near ground level while the white stalks are crisp and the leaves remain tender. Small plants can be harvested whole for individual servings; larger rosettes provide more stalk for stir-fries. Check the centre regularly and harvest before a flower stem stretches upward. Rinse soil from the bases, drain well and refrigerate promptly. Separate stalks from leaves when cooking so each reaches the desired texture.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Baby White Stem pak choi can share a cool-season bed with short rows of radishes or lettuce, provided each crop has room for its intended harvest size. Plan which row will be removed first rather than letting all three mature into the same space. Avoid placing it beneath a dense canopy of taller brassicas. If using insect netting, group crops that need similar access and care so the cover can be managed easily. Crop rotation and regular inspection remain important; a neighbouring herb is not a substitute for pest management.
Plants to avoid
Avoid close rotations with other brassicas and sites where flea beetles, cabbage maggots, caterpillars, or clubroot caused persistent problems.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves and stalks
Shanghai pak choi, shanghai bok choy, chinese cabbage in the kitchen. Shanghai Pak Choi stir-fry — Thoroughly wash 500 g sound plants in potable water. Separate stalks from leaves and slice. Heat 15 ml oil, cook stalks two minutes with one garlic clove, then add leaves and 15 ml soy sauce; cook one to two minutes more. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling part. Add 5 ml grated ginger and several drops of sesame oil after cooking. For a full meal, serve with rice and tofu cooked separately. Use a clean board and knife, keep vegetables away from raw animal foods, and do not leave the dish at room temperature for long periods. Prepare only the amount needed to preserve bright colour, crisp stalks, and fresh leaves. Keep uncooked rosettes refrigerated until preparation and wash them shortly before use. Serve in warm bowls while stalks remain crisp. Refrigerate safe leftovers promptly in a clean covered container.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Can Shanghai Pak Choi be eaten raw?
Yes. Both the bright-green leaves and pale-green stalks of Shanghai Pak Choi are edible raw when they are fresh, sound, and thoroughly washed. Young leaves can be left whole, while the fleshy stalks are best sliced thinly across the grain for slaw, salads, or crisp garnishes. Larger rosettes remain edible, but steaming or stir-frying the thicker stalks often gives a more tender result; add the leaves later because they cook faster. Harvest before a flower stalk elongates if you want the mildest flavour and most delicate texture. Keep unwashed rosettes refrigerated, then rinse only the amount needed with potable water. Use a clean board and knife, separate washed produce from raw animal foods, and discard any slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling tissue.
Why does pak choi bolt quickly?
Pak choi is a cool-season annual, so a rapid shift from cold stress to long, warm days can push it from leaf production into flowering. Heat, dry soil, crowded roots, and a prolonged pause after transplanting can add to that response. For Shanghai Pak Choi, favour cool spring or late-summer sowings and keep growth steady with even moisture. Avoid holding seedlings until they are root-bound, and use light afternoon shade when a warm spell arrives. Succession-sow small batches so one weather event does not affect the whole crop. Once the centre begins stretching upward, harvest the usable leaves and stalks promptly; removing the flower buds will not reliably rebuild the compact rosette. Check temperature, water, crowding, and root disturbance before assuming that extra fertilizer will solve the problem.
How can foliage be protected from flea beetles?
Install fine insect netting immediately after sowing or transplanting, before flea beetles find plants. Seal edges with soil or weights and leave enough space for growth. Rotate away from brassicas, remove related weeds, and maintain steady growth. Inspect beneath netting because insects may already be trapped inside. Always follow the label of every permitted control product. After heavy rain, confirm that netting does not rest on foliage and that water drains freely. Replace torn covers, clean them before reuse, and remove heavily infested residue promptly. Do not open protection longer than necessary while flea beetles remain active nearby. Check regularly.
Can only outer leaves be harvested?
Yes. Shanghai Pak Choi can be treated as a cut-and-come-again green if the growing point in the centre remains intact. Use a clean knife to remove one or two sound outer stalks close to their base, choosing the largest first. Leave most of the rosette in place so the inner leaves can continue expanding; taking no more than roughly one-third at once reduces the setback. Water the root zone after harvest if the soil is beginning to dry, and check the exposed crown for slugs, chewing damage, or trapped decaying tissue. Outer-leaf picking gives a longer series of small harvests, whereas cutting the whole plant produces a more uniform bundle. If the centre elongates to flower, or the plant becomes badly yellowed or diseased, collect the remaining sound portions and replace it. Chill cut leaves promptly.
Can Shanghai Pak Choi be grown in a container?
Yes. Use one pot at least 25–30 cm deep and wide for one large rosette or a wide box for several baby plants. Rich but well-drained mix must remain evenly moist. Place in sun during cool weather then light afternoon shade during warm periods. Check water daily, protect with netting against flea beetles, and harvest around 40 days or earlier if the central stem begins elongating. Use the documented container guidance—At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette—as the starting point, then keep every drainage opening clear and check moisture below the surface before watering. Leave enough access to inspect Bright-green leaves on fleshy tender crisp pale-green stalks, and secure any trellis or support independently so moving the vessel does not twist loaded stems.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Shanghai Pak Choi is grown for its leaves and requires no pollination for harvest. If several plants bolt and flower, bees and other insects may visit their small yellow blooms. Flowering reduces culinary quality, however. Remove stems before seed dispersal when volunteer seedlings are unwanted, and rely on separate flowers for dependable pollinator support.
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