Pak Choy Canton White

Growing Conditions

Pak Choy prefers cool to mild weather, making it ideal for: 

• Spring & Autumn (best seasons) 
• Winter (in warmer regions) 
• Summer (only in cool climates) 

Ideal Soil: 

• Well draining, rich in organic matter (compost or aged manure) 
• pH 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral) 
• Keep soil consistently moist (mulch helps) 

Sunlight: 

 Full sun (6+ hours) in cooler months 

 Partial shade in hot summers to prevent bolting 

Sowing Pak Choy: Trays vs. Direct Sowing 

Starting in Seed Trays (Indoors/Protected) 

Best for: 

• Cold climates (early start) 
• Pest prone areas (snails, slugs) 
• Controlled germination 

Steps: 

1. Fill trays with seed raising mix. 
2. Sow seeds 3 mm deep, 30 cm apart. 
3. Keep moist (use a spray bottle). 
4. Germination: 5–10 days at 21–30°C. 
5. Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves (2–3 weeks). 
6. Harden off for 3–5 days before planting out. 
7. Spacing: 30cm apart in garden beds. 

Pros: 

✔ Better germination control 

✔ Protects from pests 

✔ Extends growing season 

Cons: 

✘ Transplant shock risk (handle gently) 

 Direct Sowing (Outdoors) 

Best for: 

• Warmer regions (QLD, NSW, WA) 
• Fast growing autumn crops 

Steps: 

1. Prepare soil (loosen, add compost). 
2. Sow seeds 5mm deep, 10cm apart (thin later). 
3. Water gently (avoid washing seeds away). 
4. Thin seedlings to 20–30cm apart when 5cm tall. 

Pros: 

✔ No transplant shock 

✔ Faster growth (no recovery time) 

Cons: 

✘ Vulnerable to pests (slugs, birds) 

✘ Less control over conditions 

Companion Planting for Pak Choy 

Pak Choy benefits from companions that deter pests, improve soil, or provide shade. 

 Good Companions: 

• Beans fix nitrogen in soil
• Carrots loosen soil, no competition
• Celery deters cabbage moths
• Dill attracts beneficial insects
• Garlic/Onions repel aphids & pests
• Lettuce provides shade for Pak Choy in summer
• Mint deters flea beetles
• Nasturtiums are a trap crop for aphids

 Bad Companions: 

❌ Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) – Compete for nutrients, attract same pests 

❌ Strawberries – Can harbor slugs 

Seed Saving Guide for Pak Choy 

Pak Choy is a biennial (flowers in 2nd year), so seed saving requires overwintering plants or selecting bolted ones. 

Steps to Save Seeds: 

1. Select Plants: Choose healthy, bolt resistant plants. 
2. Let it Flower: Allow 1–2 plants to bolt (produce yellow flowers). 
3. Pollination: Pak Choy crosspollinates with other brassicas (isolate by 800m or bag flowers).  Hand pollinate by brushing flowers gently. 
4. Seed Pods: After flowering, pods form (like mini pea pods). 
5. Harvest Seeds:  Wait until pods turn brown and dry. Cut stems, hang upside down in a paper bag to catch seeds. 
6. Clean & Store: Crush pods, sieve out seeds. Store in a cool, dry place (paper envelope or jar). Label with date & variety. Seed Viability: 4–5 years if stored properly. 

Common Pests & Problems

• Aphids – Spray with soapy water or encourage ladybugs. 
• Cabbage Moths – Use netting or plant mint/garlic. 
• Slugs/Snails – Beer traps or crushed eggshells. 
• Bolting – Plant in cooler months, provide shade. 

Harvesting Pak Choy 

• Baby leaves: 3–4 weeks. 
• Full heads: 6–8 weeks. 

 Final Tips for Success 

✅ Water consistently (avoid drought stress). 

✅ Use mulch to retain moisture. 

✅ Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup.