Pak choi
A fast-growing, tender leafy vegetable with crisp white stems and dark green leaves. Best grown in spring and autumn to avoid bolting.
Pak choi seeds
£1.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – July, direct sow 1cm (1/2") deep
Plant out
Thin seedlings to 15-20cm (6-8") apart
Harvest
May – October, from 6-8 weeks after sowing
Conditions
Sun
Partial shade in summer, full sun in spring/autumn
Water
Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness and bolting
Soil
Fertile, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
15-20cm (6-8") between plants; 30cm (12") between rows
Containers
Good for pots and window boxes
Indoors
Not typically grown indoors, but can be started under glass
Care and harvest
Feeding
A balanced liquid feed can be applied every few weeks for robust growth
Pruning
None
Harvesting
Harvest whole plants when mature, or snip outer leaves for cut-and-come-again
Storage
Store in an airtight bag in the fridge for up to a week
Good companions: Lettuce, Mint, Marigolds