To grow bok choy, plant seeds shallowly in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot, keeping soil consistently moist and cool for fast growth, and harvest outer leaves or the whole plant once mature (often 4-8 weeks), protecting from heat and pests like flea beetles with row covers for best results. You can also regrow bok choy from store-bought scraps by placing the base in water until roots form, then transplanting to soil.

Planting & Growing

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours) is ideal, but partial shade helps prevent bolting (flowering) in hot weather, says Gardeners.com.
• Soil: Needs rich, compost-amended soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart, snipping extras at soil level.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; about 1 inch of water per week is good, notes this YouTube video. Mulch with grass clippings or straw to retain moisture.
• Temperature: Prefers cool weather; hot summer conditions cause bolting.
• Fertilizing: A liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks helps growth.
• Pest Control: Use floating row covers to deter flea beetles and cabbage moths.

Harvesting

• Leaf-by-Leaf: Harvest outer leaves as needed, leaving the center to continue growing for a continuous supply.
• Whole Plant: Cut the entire plant at the base when heads are firm, leaving roots for potential regrowth.
• When to Harvest: Ready in as little as 4-6 weeks, depending on variety and growth conditions.

Growing from Scraps

• Place the base (bottom 1-2 inches) of a cut bok choy in a shallow bowl with water, as shown in this video.
• Keep in a well-lit spot, changing water daily.
• New roots and leaves will sprout in about a week.
• Once rooted, plant the base in soil, watering regularly.