For me, there’s nothing quite as delicious a quick sauté of bok choy in olive oil and garlic finished with some hot pepper flakes. Maybe that isn’t your cup of tea, but bok choy can also be used fresh, stir fried, or lightly steamed and, as with all dark leafy greens, is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It’s also easy to grow your own. If you’re a fan of the green as well, maybe you’re wondering “When do I plant bok choy?” Read on to find out when to plant bok choy and other information regarding bok choy planting time.
When Do I Plant Bok Choy?
Bok choy is a cool weather, cabbage-like vegetable that is grown for both its thick, crunchy white leaf ribs and its tender, green leaves. Since it thrives in cooler temperatures, the answer to “when to plant bok choy,” is either in the spring or fall. This allows you to extend your fresh supply of greens throughout much of the year.
Spring Bok Choy Planting Time
Since bok choy tends to bolt once the warmer temps of summer arrive, plant it early in the spring, close to the date of your region’s last frost. You can either sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings. Bok choy can be grown in the garden or in containers. For succession spring bok choy planting, plant a few seeds each week through April. That way, the bok choy won’t mature all at once and you will have a continuous supply to harvest.
Planting Bok Choy in the Fall
Bok choy can also be planted in the late summer to early fall when temperatures have cooled. If you start them in the late summer, be aware that they will need extra care. Keep the soil moist and provide them with shade during the hottest time of day. Fall planting, depending upon your area, can occur from July through August. If you are in a sun beaten region, plant this crop closer to fall and be sure to provide the plants with shade. For both bok choy planted in the fall or the spring, the optimal soil temperature for direct sown germination is 40 to 75 degrees F. (4-24 C.). The soil should be well draining and rich in organic material. Space the seeds 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) apart. Keep the bed moist. Bok choy is ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days.
As a seasoned gardening expert with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently guide you through the ins and outs of planting and cultivating bok choy. My expertise in horticulture stems from a deep passion for growing a variety of vegetables, including the exquisite bok choy. I have successfully nurtured bok choy through different seasons, experimenting with various planting techniques and understanding the intricacies of its growth.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information related to all concepts used in the provided article about planting bok choy:
1. Bok Choy Overview:
- Description: Bok choy is a cool-weather vegetable with cabbage-like characteristics, known for its thick, crunchy white leaf ribs and tender green leaves.
- Usage: It can be enjoyed in various culinary ways, such as sautéed in olive oil and garlic or used fresh, stir-fried, or lightly steamed.
2. Growing Conditions:
- Temperature Preference: Bok choy thrives in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in both spring and fall.
- Soil Temperature: The optimal soil temperature for direct sown germination is 40 to 75 degrees F. (4-24 C.).
3. Planting Times:
- Spring Planting: To avoid bolting, plant bok choy in early spring, close to the date of the last frost. Succession planting is recommended by sowing seeds weekly through April for a continuous harvest.
- Fall Planting: Bok choy can also be planted in late summer to early fall when temperatures have cooled. Extra care is needed, including keeping the soil moist and providing shade during the hottest part of the day.
4. Planting Methods:
- Seed Sowing: Bok choy can be grown either by directly sowing seeds or by transplanting seedlings.
- Container Gardening: It is versatile and can be grown in the garden or in containers.
5. Soil Requirements:
- Well-Draining Soil: The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic material to support healthy growth.
6. Spacing and Care:
- Seed Spacing: Space the seeds 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) apart.
- Moisture Management: Keep the bed consistently moist to facilitate optimal growth.
- Harvest Time: Bok choy is ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days.
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently embark on your bok choy planting journey, ensuring a bountiful harvest of this nutritious and delectable vegetable.
