A practical vegetable garden series
From quick sowings to crisp stems and tender leaves.
|
GROW WITH US Pak choi is a quick, generous crop with crisp stems and tender leaves. Sow small batches in cool weather, keep the soil moist and protect young plants from pests. Pick baby leaves as they grow, or wait for compact rosettes to cook in a quick stir-fry. |
Written for home gardeners in Hungary
CHAPTER WELCOME
Your pak choi season starts here
This book follows the whole journey: seed → seedling → garden → care → harvest → kitchen → next season.
Pak choi is a fast-growing leafy brassica with juicy stems and soft leaves. You can pick it as baby salad greens or let it grow into a compact rosette for cooking. It is sometimes called bok choy, and it is different from head-forming Chinese cabbage. Pak choi likes cool, moist weather, so spring and late summer are usually kinder than the hottest part of a Hungarian summer.
In Hungary, sow a little at a time in spring and again from late July into early autumn. Spring sowings can give tender leaves, but a cold spell may trigger flowering. For full-sized plants, late summer is often easier: young plants establish in warm soil, then mature as nights cool. Keep the soil moist, give summer sowings some light shade and harvest before the plants send up flower stems.
Our Hungarian calendar
|
April |
Start a small batch under cover for young leaves. |
|
May–June |
Sow outdoors after frost risk has passed. |
|
July |
Avoid the hottest dry weeks for full-size plants. |
|
Late July–August |
Sow again for autumn rosettes. |
|
August–October |
Keep watering and harvest as plants mature. |
|
Autumn |
Use remaining plants before hard frost. |
|
WHAT I WOULD DO I would sow a short row in spring for baby leaves, then another small batch in late July for full rosettes. I would water during dry spells and pick plants before they begin to flower. |
The rule for this series: dates guide us, but the plant and the weather make the final decision.
CHAPTER 1
Meet the Pak Choi
Pak choi grows a leafy rosette with broad, crisp stems and tender leaves.
Pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), also known as bok choy, is a quick-growing member of the cabbage family. Unlike napa or Chinese cabbage, it does not form a dense head. Instead, the leaves rise from a compact base on thick white or pale green stems. Varieties may have green or deep purple leaves, and the whole plant is useful in salads, stir-fries, soups and steamed dishes.
Pak choi or Chinese cabbage?
|
Pak choi |
Forms an open rosette with thick, juicy stems. |
|
Chinese cabbage |
Forms a dense, upright or barrel-shaped head. |
Related crops, different shapes
· Pak choi: open rosette with thick, juicy stems.
· Chinese cabbage: grows a dense, upright or barrel-shaped head.
· Baby leaves: ready for repeated picking in about a month.
· Mature rosettes: usually ready in eight to ten weeks.
· Cool-season crop: grows best in mild, moist weather.
· Brassica family: rotate it with its cabbage relatives.
|
GOOD TO KNOW Pak choi is also called bok choy. It grows open leaves on stems, while napa or Chinese cabbage forms a dense head. |
CHAPTER 2
Choose Your Pak Choi
Pick a variety for the harvest you want, then plan sowings for cooler weather and steady growth.
Ask yourself five questions
1. Would I like baby leaves or full, crisp rosettes?
2. Can I sow small batches every few weeks?
3. Do I have a cool place with moist soil or light shade?
4. Can I keep young plants protected from slugs and flea beetles?
5. Would I like green stems, pale stems or purple leaves?
A beginner-friendly first planting
|
Sow small batches |
Repeat every few weeks for a steady supply. |
|
Choose cool weather |
Spring and late summer are ideal. |
|
Keep soil moist |
Steady growth helps delay flowering. |
|
Pick at two stages |
Harvest baby leaves or full rosettes. |
|
A COMMON MISTAKE Sowing one large batch in hot, dry midsummer. Pak choi may bolt before it makes good rosettes; sow in cooler weather instead. |
|
TRY THIS Grow one green-stemmed and one purple-leaved variety. Compare them as baby leaves and again as cooked rosettes. |
CHAPTER 3
Let’s Sow
Pak choi grows quickly from seed, so small repeat sowings are easier to manage than one large batch. It prefers mild weather and consistent moisture. Sow thinly in a prepared bed or in modules, then thin seedlings according to how you plan to harvest them. Baby leaves can be close together; full rosettes need more room.
When to sow in Hungary
Sow outdoors from late spring once frost risk has passed, or wait until late July and August for the most reliable full-size crop. Make a shallow drill about 2 cm deep, with rows at least 30 cm apart. Sow thinly, cover and water gently. Thin to 8–10 cm for baby leaves, about 20 cm for smaller plants or 25–30 cm for mature rosettes. Sow another little batch every two or three weeks for a steady supply.
What you need
· Pak choi seeds of a variety you like
· A hand fork or small rake for preparing the bed
· A watering can with a fine rose and a clear label
· Fine insect mesh for a clean crop
· Fertile soil that holds moisture but drains freely
Sowing, step by step
1. Remove weeds and loosen the soil; mix in mature compost if the bed needs it.
2. Make a shallow drill about 2 cm deep, with rows at least 30 cm apart.
3. Sow seeds thinly, cover lightly and water gently.
4. Label the variety and date; keep the soil evenly moist.
5. Thin seedlings to the spacing for baby leaves or full rosettes.
|
DON’T PANIC The stems may be white, pale green or green, depending on the variety. All are normal when crisp and healthy. |
|
A COMMON MISTAKE Letting the bed dry out. Pak choi needs steady moisture to keep growing quickly and stay tender. |
CHAPTER 4
Seedling School
Pak choi seedlings appear quickly in warm soil. Thin them before their leaves crowd, and keep the roots moist as they settle.
Thin for the harvest you want
When seedlings have several true leaves, thin them gradually. Leave 8–10 cm for baby leaves, about 20 cm for semi-mature rosettes, or 25–30 cm for full-sized plants. Use the thinnings in a salad. If you started in modules, keep one seedling per cell and transplant while it is young, taking care not to disturb the roots.
Why did my pak choi flower?
Pak choi can bolt when it experiences stress, especially hot, dry weather or a cold spell followed by longer spring days. Flowering usually means the plant will stop making its best leaves. Sow in mild weather, keep the soil moist and choose a bolt-resistant variety if you want mature plants. Baby-leaf crops can be harvested before bolting becomes a problem.
Water while they settle
Keep the soil moist from sowing until the seedlings are established. Pak choi has shallow roots and grows quickly, so even a short dry spell can slow it down. Water the bed in the morning, especially during warm weather. Pots dry more quickly than garden soil and need frequent checks.
Feeding
Pak choi grows well in fertile soil. Work mature compost into the bed before sowing. If plants are pale or slow, check moisture and weeds before adding feed. Container plants may benefit from a balanced liquid feed during active growth, following the label.
|
WHAT I WOULD DO I would sow in a lightly shaded spot during warm weather and keep a fine mesh cover ready for flea beetles and caterpillars. |
|
DON’T PANIC If flower buds appear, pick the plant promptly. The stems and unopened buds can still be cooked and enjoyed. |
CHAPTER 5
Ready for the Real World
Pak choi is happiest when it grows quickly without a check. Direct sowing is simple; move module-grown seedlings while they are young.
Before planting: check the plants and the bed
1. Choose sturdy seedlings with several true leaves and healthy centres.
2. Water module-grown seedlings before planting.
3. Harden plants off gradually in a sheltered place for about a week.
4. Prepare a fertile bed that holds moisture and drains well.
5. Plant at the same depth as in the module; water in gently.
When is it ready in Hungary?
For spring leaves, sow under cover in April and plant out after the last frost risk has passed. For full-size rosettes, sow outdoors from late July into August so the crop matures as the weather cools. A small early autumn sowing can work in milder areas or under cover. In colder parts of Hungary, sow toward the earlier end of the late-summer window so plants have time to grow before frost.
Around Győr, midsummer heat can make pak choi bolt or dry out quickly. Sow in a lightly shaded place, water young plants regularly and use fine mesh to keep flea beetles and caterpillars away. If an early cold snap slows spring seedlings, fleece can help. Harvest mature rosettes while they are compact and firm, before flowering or hard frost.
|
A COMMON MISTAKE Transplanting older seedlings with tangled roots. Sow in modules and move them while they are still young. |
|
GOOD TO KNOW Baby leaves can be ready in about four weeks. Full-sized rosettes usually need roughly eight to ten weeks, depending on the variety and weather. |
CHAPTER 6
Give Them a Good Home
Cool conditions, fertile soil and steady moisture help pak choi grow crisp, succulent stems.
The right place
Choose sun for early spring and late-summer crops, or light shade if growing during warmer weather. Pak choi likes fertile soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Add mature compost before sowing and keep weeds down. Rotate it away from beds used recently for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other brassicas.
Spacing
Space full-sized plants 25–30 cm apart in rows at least 30 cm apart. Semi-mature rosettes can be closer, around 20 cm apart, while baby leaves can grow 8–10 cm apart. Follow the seed packet, as compact varieties may need less room.
Planting day
1. Water seedlings and prepare a moist, weed-free bed.
2. Make a hole just large enough for the root ball.
3. Set the plant at the same depth it grew in its module.
4. Firm gently and water around each seedling.
5. Cover the crop with fine mesh if pests are a problem.
Growing in pots
Pak choi is a good container crop, especially for baby leaves and compact rosettes. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes and fresh potting mix. Place it in sun during cool weather or light shade in summer, and check the compost regularly so it never dries out completely.
|
TRY THIS Cook the sliced stems first, then add the leaves for the final minute so they stay bright and tender. |
CHAPTER 7
Water, Feed & Keep Them Growing
A steady supply of water and quick growth help pak choi stay crisp and delay flowering.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while plants are young and as rosettes grow. Pak choi can bolt in hot, dry conditions, and its tender stems suffer if growth stalls. Water deeply in the morning and check containers often. A mulch can help the bed hold moisture through a warm spell.
Mulch
For full-size plants, add a thin layer of mature compost around the plants once they are established. This helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the central stems so they do not stay damp. Mulching is not needed for a closely sown baby-leaf crop.
Feeding
A fertile bed prepared with compost usually provides enough nutrients. If growth is slow, first check watering, spacing and weeds. Pak choi in containers may benefit from an occasional balanced liquid feed; use it according to the label and avoid overfeeding.
Keep plants healthy
Protect the crop with fine insect mesh if flea beetles, caterpillars or pigeons are a problem. Look beneath leaves for slugs and snails, especially after rain. Tiny flea-beetle holes are usually cosmetic, but mesh helps keep leaves pristine. If a flower stem appears, harvest the plant promptly and use the tender buds before they open.
|
WHAT I WOULD DO I would pick a few leaves from each plant and sow another small batch every few weeks for a steady harvest. |
CHAPTER 8
Leaves, Stems & “What Is That?”
Pak choi should form a fresh rosette of leaves and thick stems. The shape and colour vary with the variety.
Why are the stems pale?
White or pale green stems are normal on many pak choi varieties. Some types have green stems, and purple-leaved varieties may have green undersides. The seed packet shows what to expect. Healthy stems should feel crisp and firm; soft, dark or slimy tissue can mean rot, often after prolonged dampness or damage.
The beginner’s trouble guide
|
Plant starts flowering |
Cold stress, heat or dry soil may cause bolting. Harvest promptly and use unopened buds. |
|
Leaves have small holes |
Flea beetles may be feeding. Fine mesh helps protect the crop. |
|
Stems are soft or dark |
Rot may follow damage or prolonged dampness. Remove spoiled parts and improve airflow. |
|
Plants wilt quickly |
Water deeply and check pots often; containers dry out fast. |
|
Leaves grow slowly |
Check moisture, weeds and spacing, then wait for steady growth. |
|
DON’T PANIC A few tiny flea-beetle holes are usually cosmetic. The leaves are still usable after a good wash. |
|
A COMMON MISTAKE Waiting too long to harvest a mature rosette. Cut it while compact and firm, before it bolts. |
CHAPTER 9
Can I Pick It Yet?
Yes—when the stems are crisp and the rosette feels compact. Baby leaves can be picked after about a month; full plants are often ready in 45–75 days.
What “ready” looks like
Baby leaves are ready when they are large enough to use, often about four weeks after sowing. For a full rosette, wait until the plant is compact and firm, usually 45–75 days after sowing. Cut the whole plant just above the soil with a clean knife. Harvest before it sends up a flower stem.
Harvest from early summer to autumn
|
Baby leaves |
Snip a few leaves from each plant. |
|
Semi-mature |
Pick the rosette while it is still compact. |
|
Full-size |
Cut the plant at the base when firm. |
|
Flower buds |
Harvest the plant and cook unopened buds lightly. |
How often should I check?
Check plants once or twice a week while they grow. Pick a few outer leaves from several plants for a cut-and-come-again harvest, or cut individual rosettes when they are compact and firm. If flower stems appear, harvest the plant promptly and use the buds while they are still closed. Succession sowings provide fresh plants after the first crop is cut.
|
READY TO HARVEST? Pick baby leaves when they are large enough to use. Cut full rosettes when the stems feel crisp and the plant is compact, before a flower stalk appears. |
|
TRY THIS Taste a raw slice of stem, then cook it briefly in a hot pan. It should soften slightly while keeping a pleasant crunch. |
CHAPTER 10
From the Garden to the Kitchen
Pak choi has crisp, succulent stems and tender leaves that cook quickly.
The first rule: cook the stems briefly
Wash the rosette well and trim away any damaged leaves. Slice the stems and leaves together, or separate them so the stems can cook for a minute or two first. Pak choi is delicious lightly stir-fried, steamed or sautéed. Young leaves can be added raw to salads, and larger leaves make a fresh addition to noodle dishes and soups.
Match pak choi to the dish
· Baby leaves: add raw to salads or sandwiches.
· Stems: stir-fry briefly so they keep their crunch.
· Whole rosettes: steam or sauté until just tender.
· Flower buds: cook lightly before they open.
|
FROM THE KITCHEN Quick pak choi stir-fry: slice the stems and leaves. Stir-fry the stems with garlic for a minute, add the leaves and cook just until wilted. |
Storing fresh pak choi
Pak choi is best eaten soon after picking. Keep unwashed plants or leaves in a loose bag in the refrigerator and use within a few days. If you cut a whole rosette, wrap any leftover portion and use it soon; the cut stems lose moisture and crispness.
When you have more than you can use
Pak choi is easy to freeze for cooked dishes. Wash, separate the stems and leaves, blanch briefly, cool quickly and freeze in portions. The texture will soften, so use it in soups, noodles or stir-fries rather than fresh salads. Smaller succession sowings usually give a better supply than a large glut.
CHAPTER 11
Next Season Starts Now
A few notes about sowing dates, moisture and flowering can help you keep pak choi cropping well next year.
Keep a tiny garden record
· Variety name and stem or leaf colour
· Date seeds were sown and seedlings appeared
· When plants were thinned or transplanted
· How well the bed stayed moist in summer
· When baby leaves or full rosettes were ready
· Whether plants flowered before harvest
· Which varieties tasted best
Saving seed and planning another crop
Pak choi is usually grown as an annual, but it can flower and set seed if left in the garden. Choose a healthy plant with the size and flavour you liked, let it flower and allow its seed pods to dry. Pak choi can cross with related Brassica rapa crops that flower nearby, so saved seed may not come true. For dependable results, fresh seed is simplest.
1. Choose a healthy plant with the leaves and stems you liked.
2. Leave it in the garden and let it flower naturally.
3. Allow the flowers to fade and seed pods to dry on the plant.
4. Collect pods before they split and scatter seed.
5. Dry fully, label the variety and year, then store cool and dry.
|
GOOD TO KNOW Pak choi keeps its best texture when cooked lightly. Add the leafy parts near the end of cooking. |
|
WHAT I WOULD DO I would harvest mature plants one at a time and keep picking a few baby leaves from the younger ones. |
COME GROW WITH ME
PAK CHOI CHEAT SHEET
The page to come back to when you have soil on your hands and no time to reread the whole book.
|
SOW |
Spring and late July–August |
About 2 cm deep; rows 30 cm apart |
|
GERMINATE |
Moist soil; seedlings appear quickly |
Thin to 8–10 cm for baby leaves |
|
POSITION |
Sun in cool weather; light shade in heat |
Full plants 25–30 cm apart |
|
PLANT |
Direct sow or transplant young modules |
Avoid disturbing roots |
|
HARVEST |
Baby leaves in about 4 weeks |
Full rosettes in 45–75 days |
|
Water |
Keep soil moist, especially in warm weather. |
|
Feed |
Prepare the bed with mature compost. |
|
Thin |
Give full rosettes 25–30 cm of space. |
|
Protect |
Use mesh against flea beetles and caterpillars. |
|
Harvest |
Cut compact plants before they bolt. |
|
Next season |
Sow small batches in spring and late summer. |
|
HUNGARY IN ONE LINE Sow pak choi in cool weather, keep it watered and harvest baby leaves or compact rosettes before flowering. |
COME GROW WITH ME • PAK CHOI
Horticultural reference: RHS, How to grow pak choi. Seasonal guidance is adapted for Hungarian home gardens.
