Growing Pak Choy, also Pak choi

Brassica campestris var. pekinensis : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Pak Choy in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, coriander), lettuce, potatoes
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
16 Aug 10, Andrea Werner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am having problems with Pak Choy which I planted in June as recommended and it was going well but all of a sudden has gone to flower/Seed. Is still cool overnight here in sydney with 6-8 C. Would not enough direct sunlight cause this problem?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jul 10, anthony (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I would like to know in datail of Pak choi. I need the information for reference my thesis. Please suggest to me. website? or something Please................... [email protected]
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jun 10, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Mine is eaten very badly, half of some leaves are eaten away and the small plants have not got a chance to grow at all.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Jun 10, Diana Adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
In between pak choys , I plant coriander to confuse or deter those white flies or white butterflies. Pak choi grow very fast and shaded coriander which love it.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Jun 10, Bill44 (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
White fly and white butterfly's in general can be discouraged by growing sage throughout your garden, even better is marigolds but they tend to self seed and go everywhere. We started growing sage mixed in with everything else on the advice of the local nursery after losing a whole basil bush overnight to small white fly grubs.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jun 10, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The pak choi with all the holes in the leaves are most likley the white butterfly. They have been in plague proportions this year, the cold weather should see them go.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jun 10, Mike (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
My pak choi has lots of Tony holes in its leaves - what could be doing that?
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jun 10, Prasadi (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
i have planted pak choy and they growing very well however they have yellow flowers on them . is this natural or something wrong?
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Feb 11, (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
do now worry. the flower is natural. you can even eat the flower (before it blooming)
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jun 10, CC (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Pak Choy usually go to seed whenever there is a seasonal change or sudden change in temperature. It can happen when the weather turns hot from cold or cold from hot, or just a few colder days during spring or summer.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 92 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Prasadi, it means that you have let them grow a bit too long, and they might be a bit tough or strong flavoured. Usually you would pick pak choy before any flowers open. You can still try eating it - it might be ok.

- Chris@Gardenate

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.