🥬 Pak Choi: Growing Guide
Pak Choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) grows best in partial shade with moderate watering, and does well at 2–22 °C (36–72 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 35–50 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Brassica rapa chinensis |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 2–22 °C (36–72 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 35–50 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 20–40 cm (7.9–16 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | |||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Harvest | |||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May, Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Aug, Dec–Jan · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr, Jul · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun, Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May, Oct.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
Chinese cabbage. Fast. Stir-fry and salads. Joi Choi and Mei Qing. Baby size.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Pak Choi: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May, Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May, Oct–Nov.
Pak Choi: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Pak Choi: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Pak Choi: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 35–50 days.
Pak Choi: which plants grow well with it?
Spinach, Lettuce.
Pak Choi: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Flea beetle, Slugs.
Plan your garden
Add Pak Choi to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →