How to Grow Pak Choi Cabbage Seeds

Posted by TJ Hopkins on Apr 21st 2026

How to Grow Pak Choi Cabbage Seeds

Pak choi (also called bok choy) is a fast-growing, cool-season vegetable prized for its crisp stems and tender leaves. Whether you're growing in a backyard garden or containers, pak choi is one of the easiest leafy greens to produce from seed—and it can be ready to harvest in as little as 30–45 days.

When to Plant Pak Choi Seeds

Pak choi thrives in cool weather and is best planted:

  • Early spring: 2–4 weeks before your last frost
  • Late summer/fall: 6–8 weeks before first frost

Avoid planting during hot summer months, as heat can cause bolting (premature flowering), making leaves bitter.

Choosing the Right Location

Pak choi grows best in:

  • Full sun to partial shade (4–6+ hours of sunlight)
  • Loose, fertile soil with good drainage
  • Soil pH between 6.0–7.5

Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.

How to Plant Pak Choi Seeds

  1. Direct sow seeds into the garden or containers
  2. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep
  3. Space seeds about 1–2 inches apart
  4. Rows should be spaced 12–18 inches apart

Once seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin them to:

  • 6–12 inches apart for full-size heads
  • 3–4 inches apart for baby greens

Watering Requirements

  • Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy
  • Water deeply 2–3 times per week
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Inconsistent watering can lead to bitter or tough leaves.

Fertilizing Tips

Pak choi is a light to moderate feeder:

  • Add compost before planting
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks if needed

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive leaf growth with reduced flavor.

Common Pests & Problems

Watch out for:

  • Flea beetles – tiny holes in leaves
  • Cabbage worms – chew large sections
  • Aphids – cluster under leaves

Prevention tips:

  • Use row covers early on
  • Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed
  • Keep garden clean of debris

Harvesting Pak Choi

Pak choi is ready to harvest when:

  • Baby leaves: about 30 days
  • Full heads: 45–60 days

How to harvest:

  • Cut the whole plant at the base
  • Or harvest outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again method

Harvest early in the morning for best flavor and crispness.

Growing Pak Choi in Containers

Pak choi is perfect for small spaces:

  • Use a container at least 6–8 inches deep
  • Ensure good drainage
  • Space plants 4–6 inches apart
  • Water more frequently, as containers dry out faster

Pro Growing Tips

  • Plant successively every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest
  • Provide shade in warmer weather to prevent bolting
  • Use floating row covers to protect from pests
  • Harvest young for sweeter, more tender leaves

Why Grow Pak Choi?

  • Fast-growing and beginner-friendly
  • Packed with vitamins A, C, and K
  • Perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads
  • Grows well in spring and fall when other crops struggle