1.Sowing & Germination

Bok Choy is a cool-weather specialist. It grows best when the days are short and the temperatures are mild. If planted in the heat of summer, it will quickly "bolt" (go to seed) and become tough.When to Plant:Spring: Sow outdoors 4 weeks before the last frost.

• →Fall: Sow in late summer/early autumn, about 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost.
• →Sowing Method: While it can be started indoors in peat pots (to avoid root disturbance), it is most commonly Direct Sown.
• →Sowing Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
• →Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch apart. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart, depending on whether you want "baby" heads or full-sized stalks.
• →Germination Time: Fast—typically 8-14 days.

2.Growing & Care

• →Watering: Crucial. Bok Choy has a high water content and shallow roots. The soil should stay consistently moist. If the plant gets thirsty, it will immediately try to flower, which ruins the texture of the stalks.
• →Feeding: Since it is a leaf-and-stem crop, it loves nitrogen. Apply a liquid organic fertilizer once the plant is about 4 inches tall.
• →Pest Alert: Like all cabbage family members, it can attract flea beetles (tiny holes) and cabbage worms. Using a floating row cover is the most effective way to keep your leaves pristine and "market quality."

3.Harvest

• →Days to Maturity: 30 Days (Baby); 45–55 Days (Mature).
• →Baby Bok Choy: Can be harvested when the plant is only 4–6 inches tall. These are extremely tender and can be cooked whole.
• →Mature Heads: Harvest when the base of the stalks feels firm and the plant is 8–12 inches tall.
• →Method: Cut the entire plant off at the soil line with a sharp knife. Alternatively, you can harvest just the outer leaves and let the center continue to grow, though the quality is best when the whole head is harvested at once.

4.In the Kitchen

• →Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• →Culinary Use: Bok Choy is a staple in stir-fries and soups. To maximize texture, cook the thicker white stalks for a minute or two before adding the green leaves, which wilt almost instantly.
• →Nutrition: Extremely high in Calcium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.