Pak choi: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how should you sow pak choi outdoors?
Sow pak choi during mild weather when you can maintain steady moisture. Spring and late summer often suit, depending on climate and variety. Pronounced cold, strong heat and drought can encourage premature flowering. Spring should therefore not be presented as the only ideal season. For whole rosettes, choose a variety suited to the growing season.
Prepare fertile, freely draining, fine soil and remove competing weeds. Choose sunshine in cool weather or light shade when conditions become hot. Sow thinly in rows at least 30 cm apart, shallowly at around 1 cm depending on soil and packet guidance. Cover, firm gently and water with a fine spray without moving the seed.
Keep soil moist without standing water. Thin progressively for your intended harvest: roughly 8 to 10 cm for baby leaves, 20 cm for small rosettes and 25 to 30 cm for full-sized plants. Watch for slugs and small flea beetle holes. Insect mesh fitted from the start can limit some pests but does not replace inspection. Do not apply soap or preventive sprays without an identified problem. Sow small batches in succession to spread harvesting.
When and how should you plant young pak choi?
How to care for this plant
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Thin seedlings
After emergence, thin crowded pak choi according to your intended harvest: about 8–10 cm for baby leaves or 25–30 cm for mature plants. In modules, keep the strongest seedling if several germinate.
When and how should you harvest pak choi?
