How to grow Bok Choy in Australia

Sow bok choy in full sun to part shade in rich, moist, free-draining soil, and grow it fast in cooler weather to avoid bolting. Water consistently so it never dries out, which keeps the stems tender.

At a glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Part shade
Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
Spacing: 20 cm
Time to harvest: 50 days
Time to germinate: 8 days
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7
Frost tolerance: Half hardy

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	February to September
Northern Rivers NSW	February to September
Sydney & Coastal NSW	March to September	Better in cool season; extend autumn plantings into August.
Melbourne & Victoria	February to September	Extend window Mar to Sep in Melbourne. Cool temps ideal. Can sow late summer for autumn harvest.
Adelaide & SA	March to September	Mediterranean: shift to Mar to Sept. Bok choy heat-stressed Jan to Feb; prefers mild winters.
Perth & WA	March to September	Mediterranean: shift to Mar to Sept. Bok choy heat-stressed Jan to Feb; prefers mild winters.
Tasmania	August to March	Sow Aug to Mar. Late summer sowings give the best autumn crops. Early spring sowings can bolt after cold nights.
Canberra & ACT	February to April, September and October	Main sowing Feb to Apr for autumn harvest; quick spring crop Sep to Oct. Winter too cold, midsummer bolts.
North Queensland	May to September	Dry season. Sow May to Sep. Bok choy tolerates tropical dry season better than other brassicas.
Darwin & Top End	May to September	Dry season. Sow May to Sep. Bok choy tolerates tropical dry season better than other brassicas.

Varieties

Shanghai Green
Baby Bok Choy

Companion planting

Good companions

Avoid planting near

Tomato

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Cut the whole head at the base when leaves are upright and crisp, before it bolts. Or pick outer leaves and the plant keeps growing from the centre.

Storage

Fridge in a sealed bag, up to 4 days.