Bok Choy Planting Guide
Tender Asian green with crunchy white stalks and dark leafy tops
Best Time and Place to Plant Bok Choy
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Bok Choy in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; consistent moisture prevents bolting
- Days to harvest: 45
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Light side-dress every 3 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost Tea organic: Weekly foliar spray
Companion Plants
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Onions
Avoid Planting Near
- Strawberries
Harvest Signs
- Plants are 6-12 inches tall with tight, compact heads
- Cut entire head at base before heat causes bolting
- Baby bok choy harvested at 4-6 inches
- Harvest in morning when leaves are crispest
FAQs
When should I plant Bok Choy?
Bok Choy planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Bok Choy?
The best time of year to plant Bok Choy is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Bok Choy?
Plant Bok Choy in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Bok Choy?
Plant Bok Choy about 6 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Bok Choy?
Bok Choy is commonly paired with Spinach, Lettuce, Carrots, Onions.