Top 20 Varieties of Bok Choy to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Bok Choy, also known as Pak Choi, is a type of Chinese cabbage that’s valued for its crisp, crunchy stems and tender, mild leaves. It’s a versatile vegetable used in stir-fries, soups, and salads, and is incredibly easy to grow. Bok Choy thrives in cool weather, making it a perfect choice for spring and fall planting. With different sizes and leaf shapes, Bok Choy comes in a variety of types, ranging from small baby Bok Choy to large, full-sized varieties. Here’s your guide to the top 20 Bok Choy varieties to grow, with helpful tips, facts, and answers to common questions about growing this delicious green.

Top 20 Bok Choy Varieties to Grow

1. Joi Choi

Tips: Joi Choi grows best in full sun or partial shade with regular watering. Harvest when stems are crisp and tender.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its thick, crisp white stems and dark green leaves. It’s slow to bolt and perfect for stir-fries or soups.

2. Mei Qing Choi

Tips: Mei Qing Choi thrives in cool weather and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the stems tender.
Facts: A dwarf variety, Mei Qing Choi produces small, tender heads with light green stems and mild leaves, making it great for baby Bok Choy dishes.

3. Shanghai Green

Tips: Shanghai Green prefers full sun and regular watering. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Facts: This variety has light green stems and leaves with a delicate, mild flavor. It’s often used in stir-fries, soups, or salads.

4. Purple Choi

Tips: Purple Choi grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide plenty of water to ensure tender stems.
Facts: This striking variety has vibrant purple leaves with green stems and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It adds color to any dish.

5. Bopak

Tips: Bopak thrives in cool weather and moist soil. Plant in early spring or fall for the best results.
Facts: This variety is known for its compact size and tender white stems. It matures quickly and is perfect for baby Bok Choy dishes.

6. White Stem Pak Choi

Tips: White Stem Pak Choi prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the stems from becoming tough.
Facts: This traditional variety has thick, crisp white stems and dark green leaves, making it ideal for soups, stir-fries, or fresh salads.

7. Green Revolution

Tips: Green Revolution grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly and harvest when young for the best flavor.
Facts: This compact variety produces tender green stems and leaves, perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads.

8. Red Choi

Tips: Red Choi grows best in full sun and cool weather. Water consistently and mulch to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This beautiful variety has red-purple leaves with green stems and a slightly peppery flavor. It’s great for adding color to salads or stir-fries.

9. Black Summer

Tips: Black Summer thrives in cool weather with regular watering. Plant in spring or fall for a continuous harvest.
Facts: This fast-growing variety has dark green leaves and crisp white stems, perfect for stir-fries, soups, and steaming.

10. Tat Soi

Tips: Tat Soi grows best in full sun or partial shade. Water consistently to keep the leaves tender and avoid bolting in warm weather.
Facts: A close relative of Bok Choy, Tat Soi forms rosettes of dark green leaves with a mild, mustard-like flavor. It’s perfect for salads or stir-fries.

11. Win-Win Choi

Tips: Win-Win Choi prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the stems crisp and tender.
Facts: Known for its thick white stems and dark green leaves, Win-Win Choi is slow to bolt and ideal for stir-fries, soups, or steaming.

12. Rosie Choi

Tips: Rosie Choi grows well in full sun and cool weather. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This variety has deep red leaves and tender green stems with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for adding color to salads or cooked dishes.

13. Green Fortune

Tips: Green Fortune prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for the best results.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces compact heads with thick, tender stems and mild green leaves, making it great for stir-fries and soups.

14. Baby Choi

Tips: Baby Choi grows best in full sun or partial shade with regular watering. Harvest young for the best flavor.
Facts: This small, tender variety is perfect for quick cooking in stir-fries or steaming. The delicate flavor and crunchy stems make it a favorite.

15. Fuyou

Tips: Fuyou prefers full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to keep the stems and leaves tender.
Facts: This variety produces large heads with crisp white stems and dark green leaves. It’s slow to bolt and perfect for steaming, stir-fries, or soups.

16. Asian Delight

Tips: Asian Delight thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This award-winning variety produces tender, mild-flavored heads that are resistant to bolting, making it perfect for extended harvests.

17. Canton Pak Choi

Tips: Canton Pak Choi grows well in full sun or partial shade with regular watering. Plant in early spring or fall for the best yields.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, crisp white stems and tender green leaves, perfect for soups, stir-fries, or steaming.

18. Purple Lady Bok Choy

Tips: Purple Lady Bok Choy prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure the leaves stay tender.
Facts: Known for its striking purple leaves and green stems, Purple Lady Bok Choy has a mild, sweet flavor, adding color and taste to any dish.

19. Asian Green

Tips: Asian Green thrives in cool weather with regular watering. Plant in early spring or late summer for a continuous harvest.
Facts: This versatile variety produces tender green leaves and crisp stems, perfect for fresh salads, stir-fries, or soups.

20. Mizuna

Tips: Mizuna grows best in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly to prevent bolting in warm weather.
Facts: Although technically not a Bok Choy, Mizuna is another Asian green with tender, deeply serrated leaves and a mild mustard flavor. It’s perfect for salads and stir-fries.

Common Questions About Growing Bok Choy

Q: When should I plant Bok Choy?
A: Bok Choy is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. It thrives in temperatures between 55-70°F (13-21°C) and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather.

Q: Can I grow Bok Choy in containers?
A: Yes, Bok Choy grows well in containers as long as the pots are at least 6-8 inches deep and have good drainage. Compact varieties like ‘Mei Qing Choi’ or ‘Baby Choi’ are especially suited for container gardening.

Q: How long does Bok Choy take to grow?
A: Bok Choy typically takes 45-60 days to mature, depending on the variety. Baby Bok Choy varieties can be harvested as early as 30 days after planting.

Q: How do I know when to harvest Bok Choy?
A: Harvest Bok Choy when the heads are full and the stems are crisp and tender, typically when they reach 6-12 inches tall. For baby varieties, harvest when the plants are small and the leaves are tender.

Q: How do I store harvested Bok Choy?
A: Freshly harvested Bok Choy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, store it in a plastic bag or container to prevent the leaves from drying out.