Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Bok Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 45–60 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 45–60 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–25cm
Depth
0.5cm
01Fast and forgiving
One of the quickest brassicas to mature, bok choy suits succession sowing every few weeks and tolerates part shade better than most of its relatives.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones; avoid the height of summer heat.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Keep soil consistently moist for tender, non-bitter leaves.
- Succession sow every 3–4 weeks.
- Net against cabbage moth if pressure is high.
- Harvest promptly at maturity — it bolts quickly in heat.
04Problems
- Bolting — heat stress; grow in cooler months.
- Cabbage moth — net or hand-pick.
- Slugs and snails — target young leaves; use barriers.
- Tip burn — irregular watering; keep moisture even.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full-sized heads, before any flower stalk appears.
Method
Cut at the base or harvest outer leaves individually.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
Preserving
See Fermenting (sauerkraut and fermented brassicas) or Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionHerbsAvoid nearby
StrawberryTomatoRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.
