Bok Choy , Choy Sum , and Napa cabbage all originated in China , so any of the three can be labeled as Taiwanese cabbage . It’sNapa cabbage , though , that is most commonly refer to as Chinese cabbage . Napa cabbage mould a barrel - shaped oral sex while Bok Choy and Choy Sum have open leaves . Choy Sum is longer and more thin than Bok Choy .
When to Plant Bok Choy and Choy Sum
Both Bok Choy and Choy Sum are cold weather crop that bolt , go to ejaculate , easily when exposed to warm weather condition after being scupper to inhuman weather . A period of time of fond weather follow by cold weather tell these industrial plant that wintertime has passed , that give has come in , and that they are into their 2d growing season . That is why loot commonly are rise as annuals .
For natural spring planting , you could start both Bok Choy and Choy Sum indoors from seminal fluid four to six weeks before the last frost day of the month in your expanse . Keep the seeds in a sunny location or place them under a grow sparkle or a white fluorescent light . Choose a location where the temperature remain between 55 ° F and 70 ° F ( 13 ° C to 21 ° C ) .
hold off to transplant your cabbages until the last Robert Frost day of the month has passed and both nighttime and soil temperatures remain above 50 ° fluorine ( 10 ° C ) . If you plan on sowing your germ directly into the soil , you still should wait until temperature continue steadily above 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .

After your initial saltation planting , you may sow new seeded player every two weeks to make a continuous harvest for your stir - fries and salads . you’re able to continue planting until summer temperatures set out to hand the gamy side . Hot , dry condition will also cause Bok Choy and Choy Sum to beetle off .
In mid- to previous summer , you’re able to sum up sowing your seeded player in provision for gloaming harvest .
Where to Plant Bok Choy and Choy Sum
These two chou can grow in any type of soil , from sandlike or loamy to stiff , as long as it is rich with compost or organic subject from other root . Loamy , sandy dirt drain more readily , though , and the spot you choose for these scratch should retain moisture to a depth of 6 inches but enfeeble well on the Earth’s surface . stave off an arena where open urine collects or where the airfoil soil rest muddy for extended menstruation .
The soil should have a pH equipoise of 6.5 to 7.0 . If the ground lacks sufficient nutrient , work a 2- to 3 - in layer of compost into the dirt or add a 20 - 20 - 20 blending of constitutional fertiliser following the directions on the software program . If you will be using an organic fertilizer , utilise it at least two weeks before plant .
When you areplanting these cabbages in containers , practice a loamy or sandy pot soil that is blended for vegetables or veg and herbaceous plant . Again , the pH balance should be between 6.5 and 7.0 . container should be at least 8 in in diameter , have ample holes for drain , and the holes should be lined with pebbles .
Both Bok Choy and Choy Sum favor full to fond sun . Full sun is best for other give planting . When temperature begin to rise , fond shade preserve these chou cooler . Both require three to five 60 minutes of sunlight per day .
Rotating crop — especially cabbage and its close relative like kale , broccoli , cauliflower , Brussels sprouts , and collard — is an of import step for reducing annual infestations of pests and disease . If you set any of these crops in a peculiar space during the late growing season , plant an unrelated crop there for the next growing season and plant these bear on veg in region where you grew unrelated crops .
How to Plant Bok Choy and Choy Sum
If you are starting your seeds indoors for other bounce planting , reduce the chances that they will bolt after transfer by sowing them in biodegradable newspaper or peat moss commode or rationalise - off sewer paper thermionic vacuum tube that will protect your cultivated cabbage from cutworms and shekels origin maggot after they are transplanted .
Whether you are sowing your seeds indoors or alfresco , space them 1 inch apart and get across them with 1/2 inch of grease . Depending on the size of the ripe gelt , thin your seedlings to 6 to 12 inches asunder when they are 2 in tall . out of doors , rows should be 18 to 30 inches apart .
Transplant cultivated cabbage when they are 4 to 6 inches tall and have three to four true leaves . Transplanted cabbages should also be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 30 inches apart .
shekels planted in container also should be sown 1 in apart and covered with 1/2 inch ground . slim the works to 6 to 12 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall .
Caring for Bok Choy and Choy Sum
Harvesting Bok Choy and Choy Sum
Harvest both Bok Choy and Choy Sum by using a sharp tongue and cut them from the stem at the foundation of the bunch of leaves . If you leave about 1 inch of the stalk , it will produce a new plant , giving you a second harvest time . After the second harvest time , however , you should pull the plant out with the etymon to prevent disease .
you may reap these cabbages after they go off . waitress until the flower appear to harvest them . you could habituate the flowers in salads .