Briefly about Pak Choi

Pak-choi is a cabbage native to Southeast Asia, a representative of the Cruciferous family. Among domestic gardeners, it is also known as bok-choy, white cabbage, mustard cabbage. Sometimes pak-choi is called Chinese cabbage and is sometimes confused with its close relative - Peking cabbage.

Differences between Pak Choi and Peking Cabbage

First of all, Pak-choy is notable for the absence of a head of cabbage - it is a plant with juicy petioles and densely pressed oval foliage of a rich green color tightly pressed to the middle. The leaves form a basket up to 50 cm in height and 40 cm in diameter. Peking cabbage can be cabbage and half-cabbage, its leaves have a paler color and a "corrugated" surface. In addition, the latter is more demanding on growing conditions and prefers greenhouses, and the pack-choi is resistant to low temperatures, diseases, and does not require special soil cultivation.

Useful properties of Pak Choi

Asians have been eating pak-choi for a long time, knowing about its valuable nutritional qualities. The leaves of this cabbage are rich in vitamins of group B, A, C, K, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. Due to its low calorie content (only 12 Kcal per 100 g), this product can be included in the diet of those who are struggling with excess weight. In addition, pak choy is believed to reduce the risk of cancer.

Pak Choi dishes are especially common in Asian countries. It is believed that such cabbage has many beneficial properties.

What are the varieties of pak choy

The most suitable varieties for cultivation in the middle lane are "Cholodok F1", "Swallow" and "Vesnyanka".

How to grow pak choy

Pak-choy seeds are planted in seedling containers, or directly into open ground. Seedling preparation can begin at the end of March, the soil should be loose and light.

How to grow pak choy

Pak-choi is quite unpretentious and does not require special efforts to grow and care.
The seeds are planted in rows in grooves up to 4 cm deep, the distance between which is about 35 cm. The depth is 0.5-1 cm. It is recommended to pour some ash on the bottom of the bed. Seeds will begin to germinate at a temperature of +4 degrees. After the sprouts appear, they must be thinned so that the distance between the plants is 30 cm.
Seedlings are planted in open ground when the air temperature rises to +15 degrees, after the appearance of 4-5 leaves.

Caring for pak-choi involves abundant watering, loosening, regular weeding, top dressing on depleted soil and after prolonged rainfall. Mulching with sawdust or dry grass will retain moisture in the soil and eliminate the need to regularly loosen the soil. To protect against pests, pollination with tobacco or ash is used.
In the first year of life, it forms a basket of leaves, in the second year, a peduncle appears.

When to plant pak choy

You can sow pak choy seeds from April to August, but the most suitable time is the second half of spring and late summer. Short daylight hours will not allow the plant to go into the arrow.

Where to plant pak choy

The ideal planting site is an open and well-lit area with nutritious, loose soil, preferably with neutral acidity. Stagnation of water after rains is contraindicated. It is good if pumpkin or legumes grew on the site selected for planting earlier.Pak-choi loves mineral fertilizers, wood ash. Slaked lime or chalk is preliminarily introduced into acidic soil.