🥬 How to Grow Pak Choi (Bok Choy) from Seeds
Common Names:
Hindi: पत्ता गोभी (Patta Gobhi) / पाक चोई
Tamil: பாக் சாய் (Pak Chai)
Telugu: పాక్ చోయ్ (Pak Choi)
Malayalam: പാക് ചോയി (Pak Choi)
Kannada: ಪಾಕ್ ಚೋಯ್ (Pak Choi)
English: Pak Choi / Bok Choy / Chinese Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

Cool-season leafy vegetable

Best time to sow:

• Autumn to early spring: Sep–Feb

• In cooler regions, can be grown year-round

Ideal Temperature: 15°C–25°C
Avoid extreme heat, which causes bolting

2. 🌾 Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained soil
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Soil Enrichment:

• Mix in compost or aged cow dung

• Add neem cake powder for pest prevention

• Raised beds or pots work well

3. 🌿 Sow the Seeds

Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

Spacing:

• In-ground: 6–8 inches between plants

• Containers: Use 12-inch deep pots, 2–3 plants per pot

• Thin seedlings after germination to allow space

Cover lightly and mist after sowing

4. 💧 Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
Water at base – avoid wetting foliage
Mulch with dry leaves or straw to retain moisture

5. 🌱 Germination

Seeds germinate in 4–7 days
Thin seedlings once they reach 2–3 inches tall
Retain strongest plants

6. 🌤️ Sunlight & Temperature

Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily
Prefers cool temperatures and partial shade in hot weather
Protect from frost using covers or cloches

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix compost into soil every 2–3 weeks

• Apply seaweed extract, banana peel tea, or diluted compost tea

• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen (can cause loose heads)

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

Common pests: Aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms
Protection Tips:

• Neem oil + soap spray every 10–12 days

• Use fine netting to keep pests away

• Keep area weed-free and ensure air circulation

9. 🥬 Harvesting

Ready in 30–45 days from sowing
Harvest when:

• Leaves are 6–8 inches long and tender

• For baby greens: harvest even earlier

• Cut at base or harvest individual leaves

Can regrow from the cut base if replanted in moist soil

10. ♻️ Regrow Tip

Let a few plants bolt (flower and seed)
Collect dry seed pods
Store seeds in a cool, dry place for next season

🌟 Health Benefits of Pak Choi (Bok Choy)

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K

• Contains calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants

• Supports bone health and boosts immunity

• Low in calories – ideal for weight-conscious diets

• Delicious in stir-fries, soups, salads, and steamed dishes