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.
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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)
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Shanghai Pak Choi is a fast-growing annual organic Chinese cabbage forming one compact rosette of bright-green leaves and fleshy tender crisp stalks. The Biologiquement Vôtre profile lists approximately 100 seeds, germination in 5–10 days at 15–22°C, height of 30–35 cm, spread of 20–30 cm, and harvest around 40 days. Its mild flavour suits stir-fries, soups, steaming, and raw baby leaves.
Quantity
About 100 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Species
rapa subsp. chinensis
Type
Compact organic pak choi with pale-green stalks
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
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.
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.
The Biologiquement Vôtre profile lists approximately 100 seeds per packet, height of 30–35 cm, spread of 20–30 cm, and harvest 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.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting 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
Establishment temperature
Approximately 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F)
Establishment time
Approximately 5 to 10 days
Best planting time
April to August
Propagation
Propagated exclusively by seed. Seeds germinate quickly when the soil remains cool and consistently moist.
Growing method
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.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
0°C (32°F)
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 rapidly 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 three to four years away from other brassicas where clubroot, rots, or soil pests have been problematic.
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
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.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and wide per large rosette
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.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
White
Foliage color
Green to blue-green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast to moderate depending on temperature
Bloom period
Small yellow flowers when the plant bolts
Fruiting
Not applicable
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 associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Carrot, radish, pea
Avoid planting with
Cabbage, leek
Stir-fries, steaming, soups, broths, and side dishes
From the garden to inspiration.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
