Growing Taiwan Pac Choi
Introduction
Kitchen gardening is a rewarding and sustainable practice that brings fresh, nutritious produce to your table. One of the easiest and most versatile vegetables to grow is Pac Choi, also known as Bok Choy. This Asian green is perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. In this post, we’ll delve into the joys of growing Taiwan Pac Choi, offering practical tips, seasonal advice, and personal anecdotes to help you succeed.
Taiwan Pac Choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) features mild green leaves and thick, sweet white stalks that are juicy and mild. It matures in 35-45 days and is easy to grow, suitable for microgreens, and ideal for raw or cooked dishes like stir-fries and soups. Plant in short rows in summer and harvest before bolting, or plant at the end of summer for fall and early winter harvests. It grows well into winter with some frost protection. For more details, visit the West Coast Seeds page.
Plant Profile
- Common Name: Taiwan Cabbage
- Variety: Brassica rapa var. chinensis
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
- Weather Notes: Thrives in cool to warm weather. Prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Can tolerate light frost.
- Sun Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Shade Tolerance: Moderate; can tolerate partial shade but performs best in full sun
- Care Instructions:
- Soil Preparation: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly into the garden in early spring or late summer. Space seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Side-dress with compost or fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Support: Generally does not require support, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
- Companions: Good companions include beans, peas, spinach, marigolds, and thyme. Avoid planting near fennel and kohlrabi.
- Days to Germination: 7-14 days
- Days to Bloom/Harvest: 40-60 days
- Propagation Techniques: Direct sowing is recommended. Can also be started indoors and transplanted.
Planting Tips
Pac Choi thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a large container if space is limited. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting Taiwan Pac Choi:
- Soil Preparation: Enrich your soil with organic compost. This not only provides essential nutrients but also improves soil structure and water retention.
- Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. If growing in rows, leave 12-18 inches between rows to allow for proper airflow and growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pac Choi prefers even moisture to prevent bolting, especially during hot weather.
Seasonal Chores
Maintaining a healthy garden requires attention to seasonal tasks. Here’s what you need to do throughout the growing season:
- Spring: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up. Keep an eye out for early pests and use row covers to protect young plants.
- Summer: Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Harvest baby leaves for salads and mature heads for cooking.
- Fall: Plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. Use cloches or row covers to extend the growing season into early winter.
Pest Control
Pac Choi is susceptible to pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Here are some organic methods to keep them at bay:
- Aphids: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids or use insecticidal soap.
- Flea Beetles: Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of plants or use floating row covers.
- Cabbage Worms: Handpick worms and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a natural pesticide.
Harvesting Techniques
Harvesting Pac Choi is simple and can be done at various stages of growth:
- Microgreens: Harvest young seedlings when they are about 2 inches tall, usually 7-10 days after sowing.
- Baby Leaves: Snip outer leaves when they reach 3-4 inches in length, typically 20-25 days after planting.
- Mature Heads: Cut the entire plant at the base when the heads are full and firm, about 35-45 days after sowing.
Personal Anecdote
This year, I decided to try growing Taiwan Pac Choi in my small urban garden. Taiwan Pac Choi is one of the most adaptable and resilient greens you can grow. I’m trying to plant in succession to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.