When to Plant Pak Choy (Bok Choy) in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Pak choy (also spelled bok choy, pak choi) is a fast-growing, non-heading Chinese cabbage with thick, crisp stems and dark green leaves. It matures in 5-7 weeks, making it one of the quickest brassica crops. Available in standard white-stemmed, green-stemmed (Shanghai), baby, and purple varieties. Essential in Asian cooking and increasingly popular in Australian home gardens.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Pak Choy (Bok Choy) in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
September-May. Year-round in Canberra except May-June when day-lengths are too short. Spring and autumn best.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost and aged manure. Needs moisture-retentive but not waterlogged soil.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun in cool weather. Part shade essential in warm zones to prevent bolting.
- Spacing
- 25cm apart, 35cm between rows
- Watering
- Consistent moisture critical. Water deeply every 2-3 days. Drought stress triggers bolting. Drip irrigation ideal. Morning watering preferred.
Companion plants: Celery, Onion, Chamomile, Dill, Marigold
Avoid planting near: Other brassicas if disease present, Strawberry
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Pak Choy (Bok Choy)
Recommended Varieties
- Pak Choy White Stem
- Shanghai Green
- Baby Bok Choy
- Joi Choi
Key Challenges
- Bolts in long hot days
- Slow growth in cold
- Frost damages leaves
Pro Tips
- Autumn crop is most reliable in Melbourne
- Protect from frost with fleece for extended season
- One of the fastest-maturing brassicas; ideal for impatient gardeners
Harvesting Pak Choy (Bok Choy)
When ready: Baby bok choy: 15-20cm tall (4-5 weeks). Full size: 25-35cm with thick, firm stems (6-8 weeks). Stems should snap crisply when bent.
How to harvest: Cut entire plant at soil level with sharp knife. Or harvest outer leaves/stems individually for cut-and-come-again. Harvest in cool of morning.
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