How to Grow Bok Choy in Australia
Bok choy (pak choy) is one of the fastest and most productive brassicas for Australian raised beds. It matures in as little as 40–60 days, making it ideal for succession planting and filling gaps between slower crops. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour suits both Asian and Western cooking, and both mini and full-size varieties are widely grown.
Bok Choy Growing Quick Reference
Plant Spacing
20 cm apart
30 cm between rows
Days to Harvest
40–60 days (mini); 60–80 days (full-size)
Germination: 4–8 days
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade — tolerates more shade than most vegetables
Water Needs
Regular — keep consistently moist; drought triggers bolting
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Expected Yield
200–600g per plant depending on size at harvest
When to Plant Bok Choy in Australia
Planting times vary significantly across Australia's five climate zones. Find your zone below for the best planting windows.
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Months |
|---|---|
| 🌴 Tropical (Darwin, Cairns) | April–August (cool season only) |
| ☀️ Subtropical (Brisbane, Northern NSW) | March–September |
| 🍂 Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) | February–May, August–November |
| ❄️ Cool/Alpine (Canberra, Hobart, high country) | August–April |
| 🏜️ Arid (Alice Springs, outback) | March–September |
Not sure of your climate zone? Enter your postcode to get personalised planting advice.
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How to Grow Bok Choy in Australia
Bok choy is a cool-season brassica that grows rapidly and is one of the most satisfying quick-turnaround crops in the raised bed garden. In Australian conditions, it thrives in autumn, winter, and spring, and can be grown in the cooler months in subtropical and tropical climates.
Sow seeds direct 5mm deep in rows 30cm apart, or start in seedling trays and transplant when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves (3–4 weeks). Transplanting is generally successful with bok choy, unlike some brassicas, provided roots are not disturbed and seedlings are well-watered in.
Thin or plant seedlings to 20cm spacing for full-size heads. For baby bok choy (harvested at 10–15cm), sow densely and harvest alternates to let remaining plants grow on.
Bok choy grows best in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Feed with a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks — nitrogen produces lush, tender leaves. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Consistent moisture is critical; drought stress immediately triggers bolting.
Sow every 3–4 weeks through the cool season for continuous supply — this is one of the easiest crops to succession plant because of its speed and reliability. In subtropical climates, autumn, winter, and spring sowing avoids both the high heat of summer and the possibility of bolting in very short-day winter conditions.
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Companion Planting with Bok Choy
Grows Well With
These plants make excellent neighbours for bok choy in your raised beds — they help deter pests, improve pollination, or enhance growing conditions.
Keep Away From
Avoid planting bok choy near these crops — they can inhibit each other's growth, attract shared pests, or compete aggressively.
Common Problems Growing Bok Choy
Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars are the primary pest — use fine insect exclusion netting or Bt spray.
Use netting from the moment of transplanting for best results.
Flea beetles create small round holes in leaves — minor damage does not affect yield significantly.
Aphids cluster on young plants; treat with insecticidal soap.
Club root is a soilborne disease affecting all brassicas — maintain pH above 7.0 and practice 4-year crop rotation in affected beds.
Harvesting Bok Choy
Harvest bok choy by cutting the whole plant at the base when it has formed a compact head. Baby bok choy is harvested at 10–15cm; full-size at 25–35cm. Alternatively, harvest outer leaves individually for a cut-and-come-again approach — plants can produce for 4–6 weeks this way. For the sweetest flavour, harvest in the morning after a cold night.
Expected Yield
200–600g per plant depending on size at harvest
Yield depends on variety, growing conditions, and management. These are typical results for well-maintained Australian raised beds.
Automatic Companion Planting
Plant Planner checks every crop assignment against the full companion database — it knows that Bok Choy grows well with Dill and Marigold and warns you about antagonists automatically.
Unlock FreeHow Much Bok Choy to Grow
Plant 12–16 plants in succession for a family of 4; sow a new batch every 3 weeks through the cool season
These estimates are based on average Australian household consumption. Adjust up if you plan to preserve, freeze, or use heavily; adjust down for occasional use.
Growing Bok Choy — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bok choy take to grow in Australia?
Bok Choy germinates in 4–8 days and is ready to harvest in 40–60 days (mini); 60–80 days (full-size). Harvest bok choy by cutting the whole plant at the base when it has formed a compact head.
How far apart should I plant bok choy?
Space bok choy plants 20 cm apart, with 30 cm between rows. Correct spacing gives each plant room for airflow and root development and is one of the easiest ways to lift your yield in a raised bed.
How much sun does bok choy need?
Full sun to partial shade — tolerates more shade than most vegetables. Regular — keep consistently moist; drought triggers bolting.
When should I plant bok choy in Australia?
It depends on your climate zone. In temperate areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide) plant bok choy February–May, August–November. Other zones: tropical — April–August (cool season only); subtropical — March–September; cool — August–April; arid — March–September.
What grows well with bok choy?
Bok Choy grows well alongside Dill, Marigold, Celery, Beetroot, Spinach, Onion. Keep it away from Tomato, Pepper, Fennel, which can compete with it or attract shared pests.
How many bok choy plants does a family of four need?
Plant 12–16 plants in succession for a family of 4; sow a new batch every 3 weeks through the cool season
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