When to plant bok choy 🥬
Bok Choy takes 40–55 days to mature, spaced 8" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 11 | May 11 – June 8 | May 18 – June 1 | July 6 – July 20 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 1 | May 1 – May 29 | May 8 – May 22 | June 26 – July 10 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – April 17 | April 17 – May 15 | April 24 – May 8 | June 12 – June 26 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 1 | April 1 – April 29 | April 8 – April 22 | May 27 – June 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – March 18 | March 18 – April 15 | March 25 – April 8 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 1 | March 1 – March 29 | March 8 – March 22 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 1 | February 1 – February 29 | February 8 – February 22 | March 28 – April 11 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 16 | January 16 – February 13 | January 23 – February 6 | March 12 – March 26 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized bok choy planting dates
Care tips
- Likes consistent moisture and cool nights.
- Bolts quickly — best as spring or fall crop.
- Harvest whole or cut outer stalks.
Good companions
Onion, Carrot, Beet.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your bok choy harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start bok choy seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start bok choy seeds indoors between April 3 and April 17 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start bok choy seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start bok choy seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start bok choy seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start bok choy seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start bok choy seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start bok choy seeds indoors between February 16 and March 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant bok choy seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant bok choy seedlings about -1–1 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 8–April 22.
How long does bok choy take to grow?▾
Bok Choy typically takes 40–55 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 6–8 weeks after the last spring frost.