Pak choi leaves have a wid mid-rib and form a loose head. A close relative of Chinese cabbage, eat raw or lightly cooked at any stage, from seedling to mature plant. Leaves, flowers, and stems are edible.

Grow spring sowings as seedling crops as early sowings run to seed quickly. Pak choi will tolerate light frost. There is a wide range of crop diversity with white, green, and purple stemmed cultivars, in varying sizes. Some are more resistant to bolting. Organic cultivars are available.

Ideal Site- Pak choi prefer humus-rich, moisture retentive soil, to ensure fast growth needed for a good crop. The quick makes this a good crop for inter-planting between slower growing plants. Pak choi is suitable for growing as a late-season crop in an unheated greenhouse or hoop house. Prior to planting prepare the site with a medium-fertility soil improver or a low-fertility soil one with a general purpose organic fertilizer. The ideal soil pH is 6.5-7.

Seed to Harvest- Mature plants: 5-8 weeks., Seedlings: 2-3 weeks.

Cultivation- The minimum germination temperature for Pak choi is 50F (10C). Undercover:

Sow in cell packs for transplanting from June-August. Some cultivars can be sown earlier. The latest sowings can be planted undercover.: Outside: June-August.
 

Spacing- For harvesting young leaves: 5-6in (13-15cm); for medium sized plants: 7-9in (18-23cm); larger plants: 18in (45cm). As a seedling cutting crop- broadcast sow thinly. Spacing to some extent will depend on the cultivars.

Plant Care- Water if needed in dry weather. If flea beetle becomes a problem grow under row covers or fine mesh netting.

Problems- Flea beetle, slugs, clubroot.

Harvesting- Pull stems, flowers, and leaves as needed. Since Pak choi can bolt and turn to seed quickly keep a close eye on the plants and harvest quickly.

Nutrients- Pak choi is a highly nutritious which contains vitamins A,C, K, B6,B12, Folate, Choline, Betaine, Niacin, calcium, zinc, copper, manganeses, selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.