Bok Choy Seeds – Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis • Brassicaceae • Native to Central China
Bok Choy Seeds grow into crisp, leafy Asian greens with tender stems and mild flavor. A practical choice for cool-season vegetable gardens, raised beds, containers, and fresh home cooking.
Plant Name: Bok Choy Seeds
Quantity: 100
Selected: Bok Choy Seeds / 100
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Bok choy is highly attractive to flea beetles and cabbage worms, so check the undersides of leaves regularly and use row cover from the moment you transplant or thin seedlings if these pests are common in your area.
Botanical profile
Meet the Bok Choy – Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Step-by-step planting
Growing bok choy from seed is straightforward once you understand its preference for cool temperatures and consistent moisture throughout the growing cycle.
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1
Choose Your Timing
Sow bok choy seeds in early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost, or in late summer for a fall crop when daytime temperatures are reliably below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
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2
Prepare the Soil
Work the soil to about 6 inches deep, amend with compost, and aim for a bok choy soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for healthy uptake of nitrogen, which drives the leafy growth you are after.
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3
Sow the Seeds
Press bok choy seeds about a quarter inch deep, spacing them roughly 1 inch apart in rows 12 inches apart if you plan to thin them, or sow in clusters for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
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4
Water Consistently
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged from sowing through germination, because bok choy germination stalls in dry or crusted soil, and inconsistent watering later causes tip burn on the leaves.
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5
Thin Seedlings
Once seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to the recommended bok choy spacing of 6 to 8 inches apart for smaller varieties or up to 12 inches for larger types, giving each plant room to form a full rosette.
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6
Feed Lightly
Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or diluted fish emulsion at the 3-week mark, since bok choy is a leafy crop that benefits from a steady nitrogen supply without heavy feeding that pushes soft, pest-prone growth.
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7
Harvest at the Right Time
Bok choy harvest time typically falls between 45 and 60 days from seeding depending on variety and conditions, and you can begin cutting outer leaves earlier or harvest the whole head when it is firm, upright, and before any flower stalk appears.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Bok Choy Seeds – Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
How long does bok choy take to germinate?
Under good conditions, bok choy germination typically occurs within 4 to 7 days when soil temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and moisture is consistent. Cooler or fluctuating temperatures can stretch this to 10 days or more. Because germination depends on your specific climate, soil quality, and care, results will vary from one garden to the next.
When should I plant bok choy seeds?
Bok choy is a cool season vegetable that performs poorly in heat, so the two ideal windows are early spring, about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, and late summer, roughly 8 weeks before your first fall frost. In mild climates, winter sowings are also possible. Avoid planting into soil that is consistently above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as heat triggers bolting quickly.
How far apart should bok choy be spaced?
Bok choy spacing depends on the variety and how you plan to harvest. For full-head harvests, space plants 6 to 8 inches apart for compact types and up to 12 inches for larger varieties. Closer spacing works if you plan to harvest young leaves rather than waiting for full heads to develop.
Can bok choy grow in containers?
Bok choy container growing works well, especially for smaller or dwarf varieties. Choose a pot at least 8 inches deep and wide, use a quality potting mix with added compost, and place the container where it receives 4 to 6 hours of sun daily. Containers dry out faster than garden beds, so check moisture daily during warm spells.
Why is my bok choy bolting?
Bolting in bok choy is almost always triggered by heat or by a prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in young seedlings, a response called vernalization. Once a flower stalk begins to form, the leaves become bitter and the plant shifts its energy to seed production. Prevent bolting by timing plantings carefully and providing afternoon shade if temperatures are climbing toward 80 degrees.
What soil pH does bok choy prefer?
Bok choy soil pH should fall between 6.0 and 7.0, with 6.5 often cited as a sweet spot for this crop. Outside this range, nutrient uptake becomes less efficient even in otherwise healthy soil. A simple soil test before planting gives you a clear starting point and helps you amend accurately with lime or sulfur if needed.
How do I know when bok choy is ready to harvest?
Bok choy harvest time varies by variety, but a good sign of readiness is a firm, compact rosette of upright stalks with deep green leaves and no sign of a central flower stalk emerging. For most standard varieties this falls between 45 and 60 days from seeding. Harvest in the morning by cutting the base with a clean knife, and refrigerate promptly for the crispest texture.