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Pak Choi

Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group)

INTRODUCTION

Pak choi, also known as Bok choy, is a member of the Brassica family and is closely related to Chinese cabbage. There are many versions and varieties all easily grown by the home gardener.

It is a quick-growing oriental brassica and can be used as baby leaves in salads or for heading up for cooking.

Pak choi was first cultivated in China during the 5th century.

Soil Preparation

Pak choi prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

The growing area should be sunny but with some shade in hot weather to avoid tip-burn or bolting.

Do not grow in a freshly manured site as this addition of excess nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth. Manure ground well in advance of planting.

As an alternative, Pak choi can be produced in containers filled with compost for harvesting as baby leaves.

Sowing & Planting

Pak choi is suited to late spring or late summer/autumn cropping, as it does not appreciate hot summer sun.

Rake soil to a fine tilth and ensure it is weed-free.

Seeds can be sown directly into a seedbed for growing on. Sow seed from May into shallow drills and cover to a depth of approx. 1 cm (0.25 inches) with 25cm (12 inches) between rows.

As an alternative, sowings can be made into compost-filled containers for later planting out, or for producing baby leaves.

Last sowings should be made no later than August.

Growing & General Cultivation

When plants are large enough to handle, thin to final spacings of approx 15cm (6 inches).

Pak choi is prone to bolting (flowering prematurely), especially in hot, dry weather. For summer production, choose bolt-resistant varieties and keep plants well-watered and shaded if possible in extreme heat.

Protect establishing plants with netting to guard against attack from pigeons.

Keep growing crops weed-free. Feed once during the growing season and mulch plants if possible.

Try and avoid growing Pak choi or any other Brassica plant type on the same ground the following year. Crop rotation is an important factor in helping to protect against disease.

Pests & Diseases

Pak choi can suffer from all common pests and diseases associated with other Brassicas.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Other pests can include Caterpillars (cabbage white). Eggs will appear on the underside of leaves during summer and can be removed by hand. Caterpillars will devastate crops within days if left uncontrolled. Chemical control is available - see product directory.

Cabbage Root Fly can be a serious problem. The larvae, resulting from eggs laid at the base of stems, will eat roots causing the plant to wilt and die. Fitting felt collars around each plant stem will prevent eggs from being laid.

Aphids can be an issue. These sap-sucking insects will secrete sticky honeydew, distort foliage and potentially spread viruses. Use an Organic Insecticide or consider Biological control. See Product Directory for details.

Flea beetle is a pest of brassicas during the summer. They usually arrive as oil seed rape is been harvested and will chew holes into the foliage. Once heads are developed, they are rarely a big threat.