Choy Sum Seeds,
50-Day

Choy Sum is best planted in early spring or late summer, as it prefers cooler growing conditions and can tolerate light frost. The 50-day variety refers to its relatively quick maturity, allowing you to harvest in as little as 50 days from sowing. In regions with mild winters, you can also plant Choy Sum in the fall for a winter harvest.

Sow 50-Day choy sum seeds directly into the garden about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds about 4–6 inches apart in rows that are 12–18 inches apart. For a continuous harvest, consider sowing seeds every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. If starting indoors, begin seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside once the seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

50-Day choy sum requires consistent moisture to grow, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep weeds down. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates. Fertilize the plants regularly with a balanced organic fertilizer or by side-dressing with compost.

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.