VEGETABLE Pak Choi (Bok Choy) Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa var. chinensis
Pak Choi, also known as Bok Choy, is a fast-growing Asian green with tender white stems and crisp, dark green leaves. A cool and warm season vegetable, it thrives in most New Zealand regions. Its mild mustard flavour makes it a versatile choice for stir-fries, soups, steamed dishes, or fresh in salads. This productive leafy crop performs well in garden beds, raised beds, or containers and is a staple in Asian cuisine.
Why Grow Pak Choi?
- Delicious, crunchy stalks and mild-tasting leaves—great for many dishes.
- Grows quickly and is ideal for succession planting throughout the year.
- Tolerant of both light frost and warm temperatures.
- Excellent for small gardens, raised beds, and pots.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and a good source of calcium and antioxidants.
Growing Instructions
- Direct sow or start in trays and transplant when seedlings are 4–5 cm tall.
- Choose a sunny or part-shaded spot with fertile, moist soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid growth and tender stems.
- Thin seedlings early to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Cool and warm season annual vegetable, non-heading Chinese cabbage. Grows 30–40 cm tall.
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 7–14 days (optimal soil temperature: 15–25°C)
- Depth: Sow 6–12 mm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or transplant seedlings
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants; 50–60 cm between rows
When to Sow Pak Choi in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | All year round | Sow in succession. Provide light shade in summer to reduce bolting. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | Spring to autumn | Protect from cold winds; use cloche in early spring. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | Spring to early autumn | Prefers warm days and cool nights; watch for bolting in heat. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Late spring to early autumn | Frost-tolerant once established; protect from hard frost early on. |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails using barriers or traps.
- Use row covers or shade cloth to reduce heat stress in summer.
- Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during growth.
- Harvest individual stalks when 15–25 cm long or cut entire plants when mature.
Harvest:
Begin harvesting 45–60 days from sowing. Pick outer stalks as needed or cut the whole plant just above ground level. Regular picking promotes further leaf growth.
