When to Plant Bok Choy? A Detailed Guide to Planting Time and Methods

SummaryPlanting time: It can be planted all year round, but autumn and winter are best; in the north, winter planting is generally suitable indoors. Choosing varieties: Select varieties with disease resistance and high yield according to the different seasons. Preparing the soil and digging trenches: The soil on the bed surface should be worked fine, even, and level, and the trenches should connect with one another. Sprinkler irrigation and thinning: Before emergence, carry out sprinkler irrigation 2 times every morning and evening. Scientific fertilization: Apply a heavy base fertilizer and topdress reasonably. Timely harvesting: It can be harvested when it grows to the 10-leaf 1-heart stage.

1. Planting Time

Bok choy can be planted in all four seasons, but autumn and winter are best; in the north, winter planting is suitable indoors. Bok choy is a type of baby bok choy, with few leaves and many stems; the white stalk looks like a gourd ladle, so it is also called piaor bai.

2. Choosing Varieties

1. In summer, choose varieties that tolerate high temperatures, resist disease, and have high yield, such as Xiadi and Xiafei, with a growth period of 30 days.

2. In autumn, winter, and spring, choose varieties that tolerate low temperatures, resist disease, and have high yield, such as Huaguan, Huajin, and Jinpin, with a growth period of 50 days-60 days.

3. Preparing the Soil and Digging Trenches

1. First, deep plow and prepare the bed into a long bed 1.6 m wide, 0.2 m high, and with a trench width of 0.3 m (35 m); neat length and width are good for management, and the soil on the bed surface should be carefully worked fine, even, and level, which helps increase the seed germination rate.

2. At the same time, dig drainage trenches around it, with a trench width of 0.3 m and a trench depth of 0.3 m; the trenches should connect with one another, which is good for drainage.

4. Sprinkler Irrigation and Thinning

Before emergence, carry out sprinkler irrigation 2 times every morning and evening. After the seedlings emerge evenly, sprinkle irrigate 1 time each day in the morning or evening. From the 2-leaf 1-heart stage to the 3-leaf 1-heart stage, thinning should be carried out, maintaining a plant spacing of 10-15 cm, which is good for plant growth.

5. Scientific Fertilization

1. During the planting period, apply a heavy base fertilizer and topdress multiple times. For the base fertilizer, 48% ternary compound fertilizer 25 kg and 12% calcium superphosphate 50 kg can be applied per mu.

2. Topdressing is carried out at the 4-leaf 1-heart stage, 6-leaf 1-heart stage, and 8-leaf 1-heart stage respectively. Each time, 48% ternary compound fertilizer 20 kg plus 46% urea 10 kg can be broadcast, and after application, pump water for sprinkler irrigation to avoid fertilizer falling on the leaves and causing seedling burn.

6. Timely Harvesting

Generally, at the 10-leaf 1-heart stage, it can be harvested for sale. If selling to other provinces, stop watering 1 day before harvest, which is good for long-distance transport. Generally, a special harvesting knife can be used to cut from 1-2 leaves above the base, then gently pack the greens neatly into vegetable baskets for sale.

7. Precautions

1. Bok choy prefers cool conditions and does not tolerate heat. Some varieties are relatively cold tolerant. The suitable temperature for germination is 20°C-25°C, and the suitable growing temperature is 15°C-20°C. Bok choy is not very strict about light; sufficient sunlight is good for healthy growth, and it likes light. Too weak light can cause leggy growth.

2. Bok choy likes to grow in a warm and humid environment and likes water. If it lacks water for a long time, the quality will be poorer and the fiber content will increase.

3. Bok choy is suitable for cultivation on fertile, loose soil. In summer, water once each morning and evening; in spring and autumn, water once every two days. Never water at noon, as it easily damages the roots and is not good for growth. Generally, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied before sowing.