Bok Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Bok Choy, also known as Pak Choi, is a non-heading Chinese cabbage with smooth, dark green leaves and white stalks. It is a cool-season crop that thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Bok Choy is valued for its rapid growth, ability to improve soil structure, and contribution to biodiversity. It serves as an excellent understory plant in a food forest, providing ground cover and reducing soil erosion. Historically, Bok Choy has been a staple in Asian cuisines and traditional medicine. It pairs well with plants like carrots, onions, and dill, which can deter pests and enhance growth.
Growing Details
Bok Choy prefers cool weather and can be grown in spring and fall. It requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating well-rotted compost to enhance fertility and structure. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like carrots, onions, and dill can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid planting near other Brassicas to reduce disease risk. Harvest when leaves are tender, typically 45 days after p
Tags
Carbon Farming
Erosion Preventing
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to China, widely cultivated in Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of May for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of February
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
middle
of March
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Bok Choy is widely used in culinary applications, especially in Asian cuisine. Its leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, or added to soups and stews. It is known for its mild flavor and crunchy texture. The plant is available year-round, but its peak season is in the cooler months. Nutritionally, it is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Bok Choy is rich in antioxidants and is often recommended for its potential to support bone health and immune function. It is also used in traditional medicine to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. However, individuals with thyroid issues should consume it in moderation due to its goitrogenic properties.
health concerns: Contains goitrogens, which may interfere with thyroid function if consumed in large quantities.
other uses:
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
common names: Bok Choy; Pak Choi; Chinese Cabbage
family: Brassicaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brassica
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 7ยฐC / 24ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.5 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Bok Choy prefers cool weather and can be grown in spring and fall. It requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating well-rotted compost to enhance fertility and structure. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like carrots, onions, and dill can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid planting near other Brassicas to reduce disease risk. Harvest when leaves are tender, typically 45 days after p
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids. Use parasitic wasps to manage cabbage worms. Planting marigolds can help repel nematodes. Neem oil and garlic sprays are effective organic solutions.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...