Bok Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
De un vistazo
Una verdura de hoja asiática con tallos crujientes y sabor suave. Crecimiento rápido.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Germinación de las semillas
Las pequeñas semillas redondas germinan rápidamente en suelo fresco y húmedo. Los cotiledones emergen en 4 a 8 días, una de las velocidades más altas entre las brassicas. La delicada raíz principal comienza a afianzarse en las capas superiores del suelo. El bok choy germina mejor entre 50 y 75 °F y, en condiciones ideales, puede brotar en solo 3 días.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
Mantén la superficie del suelo uniformemente húmeda, pero no encharcada. Una ligera capa de vermiculita sobre las semillas ayuda a conservar la humedad. Evita temperaturas del suelo superiores a 80 °F, ya que pueden inhibir la germinación.
Bok choy seedlings emerge quickly, often within 4-8 days of sowing
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Bok Choy
Mayo
Mes actualHarvest spring-planted bok choy before hot weather triggers bolting. Pick promptly once heads reach full size. If temperatures regularly exceed 75°F, provide afternoon shade with shade cloth or taller companion plants. Last chance for spring sowing in most zones.
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Datos fascinantes sobre Bok Choy
Bok choy has been cultivated in China for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously grown vegetables in the world — it was already a dietary staple when the Great Wall was being conceived.
Elija un lugar con sol pleno o semisombra y suelo fértil bien drenado con pH 6,0-7,5. Incorpore compost antes de sembrar para enriquecer el suelo.
Siembre semillas a 1 cm de profundidad y 20-30 cm de separación en primavera temprana u otoño. Evite las épocas calurosas, ya que el calor provoca el espigado.
Riegue de manera uniforme y constante. Abone con fertilizante nitrogenado cada 3 semanas. El bok choy crece muy rápido y puede cosecharse en pocas semanas.
Bok choy thriving in a fall garden under the cooling autumn sun
Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) originated in the Yangtze River Delta region of central China, where wild forms of Brassica rapa were first domesticated over 5,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites in the region shows brassica seed remains, and the earliest written references to bok choy appear in Chinese agricultural texts from the 5th century AD. Over millennia, Chinese farmers selected for the thick, fleshy petioles and compact rosette form that distinguish modern bok choy from its wild relatives.
Bok choy spread throughout East and Southeast Asia along ancient trade routes, becoming a dietary staple in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, each region developing preferred varieties and cooking traditions. In Japan it is known as 'chingensai' and arrived during the Edo period. Korean cuisine integrated bok choy into kimchi variations and banchan (side dishes), while Vietnamese cooking features it prominently in pho and stir-fries.
Bok choy arrived in Europe and the Americas with Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, initially grown in small garden plots within immigrant communities. The vegetable gained mainstream Western attention only in the late 20th century as interest in Asian cuisine exploded. Today, China remains by far the largest producer, growing millions of tonnes annually for both domestic consumption and export. California, with its large Asian-American population and mild climate, is the leading US producer. Modern seed breeding has produced bolt-resistant hybrids, baby bok choy varieties suited to container growing, and cold-hardy cultivars that extend the growing range into northern climates. Despite its global spread, bok choy remains most deeply embedded in Chinese culinary culture, where it appears in everything from simple home stir-fries to elaborate banquet dishes.
Siembre directamente en el exterior o inicie en semillero 4 semanas antes del trasplante. Trasplante con cuidado para no dañar la raíz pivotante.
Prefiere suelo profundo y fértil con pH 6,0-7,5, enriquecido con compost. Abone con fertilizante rico en nitrógeno cada 3 semanas para estimular el crecimiento de hojas.
Verifica Tu Zona
Verifica si Bok Choy es adecuado para tu ubicación.
10°C – 22°C
50°F – 72°F
Bok choy is a cool-season crop that thrives between 10-22°C (50-72°F). Growth slows significantly below 5°C (40°F) and the plant tolerates frost down to about -4°C (25°F) without damage. Temperatures above 24°C (75°F) trigger bolting, especially combined with long day length in spring. The ideal growing temperature is 15-18°C (60-65°F), which produces the fastest growth with the crispest, most flavorful stems. Bok choy handles a wider temperature range than most Chinese cabbages but is less heat-tolerant than many other garden vegetables.
Problemas comunes que afectan a Bok Choy y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
El calor provoca el espigado prematuro con sabor amargo. El exceso de humedad puede causar pudrición en la base del tallo.
- 1Timing is everything with bok choy. Plant too late in spring and rising temperatures cause immediate bolting. The safest strategy is to start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost and transplant at the first opportunity — bok choy handles light frost, so early planting is far less risky than late planting.
- 2For the most reliable harvests, focus on fall planting rather than spring. Decreasing day length and cooling temperatures virtually eliminate bolting and produce sweeter, more tender plants. Sow 8-10 weeks before first frost for full-size heads.
- 3Consistent moisture is the single most important cultural factor. Bok choy has shallow roots concentrated in the top 4-6 inches of soil, so even brief dry spells cause stress, bitterness, and bolting. Drip irrigation with 2-3 inches of organic mulch is the ideal setup.
- 4Succession planting every 2-3 weeks extends your harvest from a single concentrated picking to months of continuous supply. Plant small batches of 6-12 plants rather than one large planting that all matures simultaneously.
- 5Baby bok choy varieties like Mei Qing Choi are superior for beginners and small spaces. They mature in just 30-35 days, are more bolt-resistant than full-size types, and are perfectly suited to containers as small as 6 inches deep.
- 6Use floating row covers from the moment of transplanting through harvest. Row covers block cabbage moths, flea beetles, and aphids while creating a slightly warmer, more humid microclimate that bok choy loves. Remove only for weeding and harvesting.
- 7Afternoon shade is essential in zones 7 and warmer during spring planting. Position bok choy on the north side of taller crops like peas or tomato cages, or use 30-40% shade cloth to keep soil and air temperatures within the ideal range.
- 8Cut-and-come-again harvesting dramatically extends the productive life of each plant. Instead of cutting the whole head, pick outer leaves as needed, allowing the center to continue producing new growth for several additional weeks.
Coseche hojas jóvenes para baby bok choy a los 30 días. Para plantas enteras, espere 45-60 días y corte a nivel del suelo.
Morning-harvested bok choy at peak crispness
Conserve sin lavar en bolsa de plástico en el refrigerador hasta 2 semanas. Blanquee y congele para conservación a largo plazo.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
13
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Exceptionally rich in vitamin A as beta-carotene, providing 89% of the daily value per 100g — one of the highest among common vegetables, supporting vision and immune health
- Outstanding source of vitamin C at 50% of the daily value per 100g, more than many citrus fruits ounce for ounce, boosting immune function and collagen production
- Excellent source of vitamin K, providing over 50% of the daily value per 100g — essential for blood clotting and bone mineral density
- Contains more calcium per calorie than almost any other vegetable, with high bioavailability due to low oxalate content — a significant advantage over spinach for calcium absorption
- Rich in folate (B9), critical for DNA synthesis and especially important during pregnancy for neural tube development
- Extremely low in calories at just 13 per 100g while delivering high nutrient density, making it one of the most nutrient-efficient foods available
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
A packet of bok choy seeds costs $2-4 and contains 200-500 seeds — enough for several seasons of planting. Organic baby bok choy sells for $3-5 per pound at grocery stores and $4-7 per pound at farmers markets. Growing just two succession plantings of a 10-foot row can yield 4-6 kg of bok choy, saving $25-50 per season. The savings are even more significant for organic baby bok choy, which commands premium prices. Bok choy's fast 30-45 day maturity means beds can be turned over multiple times per season, multiplying the return on a tiny investment in seeds.
The crisp white stems make up the bulk of bok choy and hold the most moisture
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Bok Choy frescos
Garlic Bok Choy Stir-Fry
10 minThe classic preparation — baby bok choy halved and seared in a screaming-hot wok with garlic and a splash of soy sauce. The stems stay crisp while the leaves just wilt. Ready in under five minutes of active cooking.
Ginger Bok Choy Miso Soup
15 minA warming, nourishing soup where chopped bok choy is simmered in a fragrant broth of white miso, fresh ginger, and scallions. Add silken tofu for protein and rice noodles for substance — comfort food at its most wholesome.
Roasted Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce
20 minBaby bok choy halved and roasted at high heat until the cut sides caramelize to a golden brown, then drizzled with a savory oyster sauce glaze. The char adds a smoky depth that transforms this simple vegetable into something extraordinary.
Classic garlic bok choy stir-fry — ready in under five minutes
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Bok Choy caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 25cm.
16
Bok Choy plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
4 columnas × 4 filas a 25cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de bok choy más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
Joi Choi
Tallos blancos anchos y hojas verde oscuro, muy productiva. Madura en 50 días.
Shanghai Green
Tallos verde claro, variedad baby compacta ideal para espacios pequeños. Madura en 45 días.
Choi Sum
Se cosecha por sus tallos floridos comestibles antes de que abran las flores amarillas.
Excelente salteado con ajo y jengibre, al vapor, en sopas asiáticas y ramen, o crudo en ensaladas. Los tallos y las hojas son igualmente comestibles.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Bok Choy?
Planta Bok Choy en Marzo, Abril, Agosto, Septiembre. Toma aproximadamente 45 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Mayo, Junio, Octubre, Noviembre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Bok Choy?
Bok Choy crece bien junto a Cebolla, Ajo, Apio. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Bok Choy?
Bok Choy prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 2 a 11. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 1 a 12.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Bok Choy?
Bok Choy requiere Sol parcial (3-6h). Esto significa 3-6 horas de luz solar, idealmente sol de mañana con sombra de tarde.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Bok Choy?
Espacia las plantas de Bok Choy a 25cm (10 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Bok Choy?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Mosca de la col, Orugas, Mildiu. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Bok Choy después de la cosecha?
Conserve sin lavar en bolsa de plástico en el refrigerador hasta 2 semanas. Blanquee y congele para conservación a largo plazo.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Bok Choy para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen Joi Choi, Shanghai Green, Choi Sum. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Bok Choy?
Prefiere suelo profundo y fértil con pH 6,0-7,5, enriquecido con compost. Abone con fertilizante rico en nitrógeno cada 3 semanas para estimular el crecimiento de hojas.
Why does my bok choy bolt so quickly?
Bolting is triggered by a combination of rising temperatures above 75°F and increasing day length, which is why spring plantings are more bolt-prone than fall plantings. Transplant shock, inconsistent watering, and root disturbance also accelerate bolting. To prevent it, choose bolt-resistant varieties like Shanghai Green, transplant carefully using biodegradable pots, maintain consistent soil moisture, and provide afternoon shade in warm climates. Fall planting largely eliminates the bolting problem because both temperature and day length are decreasing.
Can I grow bok choy in containers?
Absolutely — bok choy is one of the best vegetables for container growing. Baby varieties thrive in pots as small as 6 inches deep and 8 inches wide. Use a quality potting mix with good moisture retention, and water daily or even twice daily in warm weather since containers dry out quickly. A 14-inch pot can support 3-4 baby bok choy plants. Place containers where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade for the best results. Feed every 2 weeks with dilute liquid fertilizer.
Is bok choy the same as Chinese cabbage?
Bok choy and napa cabbage are both called 'Chinese cabbage' in English, which causes frequent confusion. They are different subspecies of the same species (Brassica rapa). Bok choy (subsp. chinensis) has dark green leaves on thick white or green stems arranged in a loose rosette. Napa cabbage (subsp. pekinensis) forms a tall, tightly wrapped cylindrical head with crinkled, pale green leaves. They taste different, cook differently, and are not interchangeable in most recipes — bok choy is crunchier and milder, while napa cabbage is sweeter and more tender.
How do I prevent pests from destroying my bok choy?
Floating row covers are the single most effective pest prevention strategy for bok choy. Install them immediately after transplanting and keep them in place through harvest — bok choy does not need pollination, so covers can remain permanently. For flea beetles, which create tiny shot-holes in leaves, row covers are essential for young plants. For cabbage worms, inspect plants regularly and apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at the first sign of caterpillars. Companion planting with onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs helps mask bok choy's scent from flying pests.
Can I eat bok choy that has started to flower?
Yes, bolted bok choy is still edible but the quality changes. Once the flower stalk emerges, the stems become tougher and more fibrous, and the flavor turns slightly bitter. However, the flower buds and young flower stalks themselves are delicious — treat them like broccoli rabe (rapini) by sauteing with garlic and olive oil. The open yellow flowers are also edible and make an attractive garnish. For the best eating quality, harvest promptly at the first sign of a central flower bud emerging.
How cold-hardy is bok choy compared to other greens?
Bok choy is half-hardy, tolerating frost down to about -4°C (25°F) without protection. This makes it hardier than lettuce and basil but less cold-tolerant than kale, collards, or spinach. Light frost actually improves flavor by triggering sugar production. However, repeated freeze-thaw cycles damage the water-rich stems, causing them to become mushy. In zones 7-8, bok choy overwinters successfully under row covers or cold frames. In zones 9-11, it grows through winter with minimal protection and is one of the most productive cool-season crops.
¿Listo para cultivar Bok Choy?
Añade Bok Choy a tu plan de jardín y comienza a diseñar tu diseño perfecto.
Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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