Bok Choy Seeds,
Snow White

44 ReviewsSKU #OR176 · 200 seeds
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Description

(Brassica rapa var. chinensis). This giant choy is all about those thick, snowy white stems—supremely juicy, crisp, and refreshing, with a texture so good it’s hard to stop eating. Plants grow over 16 inches tall and mature in about 55 days, producing a gourmet harvest that shines raw, stir-fried, steamed, or swirled into soups. Jere Gettle first encountered this variety in Nanjing, China, where it can still be seen drying along sidewalks for winter use. A beautiful, traditional, highly flavorful green that brings old-world Chinese kitchen culture straight into the garden.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica rapa var. chinensis
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Partial sun
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
55
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Snow White bok choy is best planted in the cool seasons. For spring planting, direct sow around the last expected frost, or set hardened seedlings out after the last frost rather than weeks ahead of it. For fall crops, sow seeds directly in late summer to early fall when temperatures begin to cool. This variety can tolerate light frosts, but in spring two weeks or more below 50 F after the seedling stage will make it run to seedstalk instead of forming its 55-day heads. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart. Once seedlings reach a few inches in height, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to allow room for growth. Bok choy prefers partial shade in warmer weather to prevent bolting, but it can thrive in full sun during cooler months. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out, as drought stress can cause bolting. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost at planting time to support healthy growth. Watch for common pests like cabbage worms and aphids, and use row covers or organic pest control methods to protect your plants.

How to Save Seeds

Bok choy is an annual, completing its life cycle in one year. To avoid selecting bolt-prone plants, don't save seeds from prematurely bolted ones. Let plants mature fully, harvest the dried pods, crumble the small round seeds into a jar or bag, then seal and store the seeds in a cool, dark, dry place. Bok choy cross-pollinates with other rapa species but not with different species of Brassica, so it's safe to grow it next to mustard greens (Brassica juncea), for example. To ensure seed purity, isolate your bok choy from other blooming B. rapa by about a half mile or use caging techniques. Allow your healthiest plants to flower for a strong, diverse seed pool.

FAQ

Can Snow White bok choy be grown in containers?

Yes, it can. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep with good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost, and place the container where it receives 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.

When can I harvest Snow White bok choy?

Snow White bok choy is ready to harvest in about 55 days after sowing. You can start harvesting individual leaves earlier if desired, particularly if you prefer tender baby greens.

Can Snow White bok choy be grown in heavy or clay soils?

While bok choy generally prefers well-drained, fertile soil, Snow White can tolerate heavier soils better than some other leafy greens. However, it's advisable to amend clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility. This will help the roots develop more freely and reduce the risk of waterlogging.

Browse our full range of bok choy and tatsoi seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 4 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Large heads: Big, full plants, larger than most bok choy varieties.

  • Tasty and quick: Fast growing and good eating; chops and freezes well for stir fry.

  • Lots from one packet: One packet gave more bok choy than a family could use.

  • Heads up: Bolts fast in warm spells; grow it only when weather stays cool.