Pak choi cabbage is an easy vegetable to grow in your garden. It thrives in cool weather and can be grown in successive plantings, spring and fall. You can also grow it in a container. Sow the seeds one-half inch deep in a seed tray, or cover them with a layer of compost and wait for them to germinate. Once the plants have grown to about two inches, transplant them outdoors.
Depending on the variety, pak choi has green or dark red leaves that are arranged in a rosette. These ribbed leaves are reminiscent of mustard greens and are the tastiest part of this Chinese cabbage plant.
This vegetable is an excellent source of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It also has a slightly sweet flavor, which makes it an ideal addition to many dishes.
The most common way to prepare pak choi is to steam or stir-fry it. The leaves cook quickly and have a mild, crisp texture. They are a great addition to soups, stews, and salads.
You can make a simple stir-fry by heating vegetable oil in a wok. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds before adding cabbage and bok choy. Mix them together and then sprinkle with salt.
If you’re using a thicker cabbage like napa, it will take longer to cook than a thinner type. This is why most recipes for napa cabbage encourage you to use all the parts of the vegetable at once.
Napa cabbage leaves are crunchy when raw and mild when cooked. Bok choy stalks are more fibrous and bitter when eaten raw, so they’re best reserved for coleslaw and salads.
Alternatively, you can substitute a napa cabbage for bok choy in stir-fry or soup recipes. It’s a good idea to add extra salt if you choose this method, since napa cabbage tends to be less salted than bok choy.
How to Grow a Plant
You can start growing a pak choi cabbage plant from seed. It germinates quickly and will continue to grow as long as you provide it with a rich, moisture-retentive soil. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider using a seed starter kit from the store.
Sow the seeds one-half inch deep on a bed of fine garden soil. Once the seedlings are about two inches tall, transplant them to a spot with full sun and rich soil. They prefer a moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate a range of temperatures.
Fertilize the soil regularly to keep it healthy. This will help to prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure the healthiest possible growth of the plant. Using a high-quality nitrogen-rich fertilizer will also aid in the rapid growth of this leafy green.
Pests and Diseases
If you live in an area that’s susceptible to flea beetle infestation, it’s a good idea to protect your outdoor pak choi plants with a row cover or garden fabric. This will reduce the chances of infestation and damage caused by flea beetles and other insects and diseases.