Pac Choi

Pac Choi, also known as Bok Choy, is a highly nutritious and easy-to-grow green in the brassica family. With its smooth, juicy white stalks and tender green leaves, it’s a favourite in stir-fries, soups, and raw salads. The plant thrives in cooler weather, becoming sweeter and more tender as temperatures drop, making it an excellent choice for early spring and fall gardens. Its compact growth and quick maturity also make it a great candidate for small garden spaces and succession planting.

Where Can You Grow Pac Choi?
Pac Choi performs well in Zones 3–9 and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is especially well suited to coastal climates and thrives with regular watering and cooler temperatures.

History and Historical Uses
Originally from China, Pac Choi has been cultivated for over 1,500 years and remains a staple in Asian cuisine today. Its mild, slightly mustardy flavour and fast growth have made it popular around the world. Traditionally used both as a culinary and medicinal plant, Pac Choi is appreciated for its nutrient density and health benefits.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow in early spring and again in late summer for fall harvests.
Zones 5–7: Start indoors and transplant in early spring or late summer; protect with row cover if needed.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors and transplant after frost; grow in cold frames for fall or overwinter harvests.

How to Grow and Harvest Pac Choi

Planting: Sow seeds 0.5–1cm (¼–½in) deep, 10–15cm (4–6in) apart.
Watering: Keep soil moist to avoid bitterness and bolting.
Harvesting: Harvest young leaves as needed or whole heads before flowering.
Maintenance: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; thin for airflow.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Let Plants Bolt: Allow select plants to flower and go to seed.
Collect Seeds: Once pods are dry and brown, harvest carefully before they shatter.
Dry and Store: Dry seeds fully and store in airtight containers.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 4–5 years when stored cool and dry.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)