How do you grow bok choy microgreens? Sprinkle 2–3 teaspoons of bok choy (pac choi) seed over a moist 10 × 20 in (25 × 50 cm) tray of peat-based mix, cover until it sprouts, then grow under bright light. Mississippi State Extension says bok choy microgreens are ready in 10–15 days, with a mild flavor and a yield of about 4–6 oz (113–170 g) per tray.
Key takeaway: Bok choy microgreens are a fast, mild brassica crop. Sow evenly, bottom-water, keep air moving, and cut them with clean scissors 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) down when the seed leaves are fully open.
| Factor | Bok choy (pac choi) microgreens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Days to harvest | 10–15 days | Mississippi State |
| Seeding rate | 2–3 tsp per tray | Mississippi State |
| Expected yield | 4–6 oz (113–170 g) per tray | Mississippi State |
| Varieties | Pac Choi (white stems), Red Choi (maroon veins) | Mississippi State |
| Flavor | Mild | Mississippi State |
| Height at harvest | About 1–3 in (2.5–8 cm) | Mississippi State |
What Are Bok Choy Microgreens?
Bok choy microgreens are seedlings of bok choy, also called pac choi or pak choi, a Chinese cabbage in the brassica family. Mississippi State University Extension defines microgreens as young, densely grown seedlings harvested 7–21 days after germination, when they’re about 1–3 in (2.5–8 cm) tall and consist of the stem, seed leaves and developing true leaves. Mississippi State lists pac choi in its 10–15 day group, alongside mustard, kale, red cabbage, kohlrabi and arugula.
Which Bok Choy Varieties Make the Best Microgreens?
Mississippi State recommends two types for home growers:
- Pac Choi: bright white stems and green leaves.
- Red Choi: dark green leaves with maroon veins.
Both have a mild flavor. Pac choi also shows up in Mississippi State’s suggested greens mix, along with mustard, broccoli and mizuna, which gives a spicier, fresher blend.
How Do You Grow Bok Choy Microgreens Step by Step?
- Buy untreated bulk seed; Mississippi State says garden-center packets are impractical for the amount you’ll need.
- Fill a 10 × 20 in (25 × 50 cm) tray without holes with moist peat-based mix, which Mississippi State calls the easiest home method.
- Sprinkle 2–3 teaspoons of seed evenly over the surface.
- Cover with a clear dome or paper towel to hold humidity until germination.
- Remove the cover after a few days once seedlings emerge.
- Give bright light, such as a sunny window or grow lights; UConn suggests 12–16 hours a day.
- Bottom-water to keep the mix evenly moist without flattening seedlings.
- Harvest at 10–15 days by cutting 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) down with sharp scissors.
Should You Prime Pac Choi Seed?
It can help if germination is uneven. Mississippi State notes germination times can be erratic even with good seed, and suggests priming small seeds: in a lidded container, mix ½ cup of vermiculite, 2 tablespoons of water and the seed, keep it warm, such as on top of the refrigerator, for a couple of days, then spread the mix over the growing medium once the first root tip appears. Mississippi State says this works well for a 10 × 20 in (25 × 50 cm) tray. Soaking, by contrast, is meant for big seeds like peas.
Can You Grow Bok Choy Microgreens Hydroponically?
Yes. Mississippi State describes growing microgreens on a hydroponic pad or mat in a trough or tray without holes; the roots grow into the pad to absorb water, and you check the moisture daily. Take care not to overwater or knock seeds loose. Virginia Tech notes commercial growers use aeroponics, NFT and ebb-and-flow systems, with a standard leafy-green fertilizer at roughly 1.0 mS/cm and pH 5.5–6.0. See our hydroponic microgreens guide.
How Much Light Do Bok Choy Microgreens Need?
Bright light keeps stems short and leaves green. UConn Extension recommends 12–16 hours of light a day, and University of Maryland Extension notes Asian greens grow acceptably even with less-than-ideal light, which makes bok choy a forgiving windowsill crop. For grow lights, Maryland says hanging them 6–12 in (15–30 cm) above the foliage is typical. Our light distance guide has more detail.
| Setup | Typical guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Photoperiod | 12–16 hours | UConn Extension |
| LED height | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) above foliage | Univ. of Maryland |
| Germination temperature | Soil around 75°F (24°C) | Illinois Extension |
| Humidity | 50–70% common | Virginia Tech |
When Should You Harvest Bok Choy Microgreens?
Cut when the seed leaves are fully open and the first true leaves are starting, usually 10–15 days after sowing per Mississippi State. Harvesting is a one-cut process; the plants won’t regrow, so Mississippi State suggests succession planting for a steady supply. Rinse, pat dry and refrigerate. University of Maryland says microgreens keep up to 10 days, while UConn suggests a more cautious 5–7 days, since microgreens are perishable. Our home food safety guide covers clean harvesting.
Why Is My Pac Choi Tray Falling Over or Moldy?
- Leggy, flopping stems: not enough light; move closer to a window or lower the light.
- Fuzzy white growth at the base: check first whether it’s root hairs, which look fuzzy on brassicas; true mold looks cobwebby and spreads. Improve airflow and water less.
- Patchy germination: old seed or cold mix; Mississippi State stresses fresh, good-quality seed for even germination.
- Damping-off: seedlings collapse at the soil line; use fresh mix and clean trays.
Are Bok Choy Microgreens Healthy?
Microgreens in general are nutrient-dense. A USDA ARS study of 25 microgreens found about five times more vitamins and carotenoids than in mature plants, and brassicas such as red cabbage ranked high for vitamin C. Bok choy wasn’t singled out, so treat it as a tasty, healthy addition rather than a supplement. For more, see are hydroponic vegetables healthy.
How Do You Use Bok Choy Microgreens?
Their mild flavor makes them easy to use raw. Mississippi State suggests using microgreens as “vegetable confetti” on meals, in salads or as the salad itself, on sandwiches, or as a garnish. UConn Extension adds wraps, smoothies, soups, omelets and stir-fry-style dishes such as curries. Add them at the end of cooking so they stay crisp.
Bok Choy Microgreens vs Baby Bok Choy
Microgreens are cut in days; baby greens take 3–4 weeks after germination, as Virginia Tech notes, and full heads much longer. If you’d rather grow full plants, follow our hydroponic bok choy guide.
FAQ About Bok Choy Microgreens
How long do bok choy microgreens take?
About 10–15 days, per Mississippi State.
Does the seed need soaking?
No; the seed is small. Maryland’s soak list covers larger seeds.
What do bok choy microgreens taste like?
Mild, according to Mississippi State.
Will they regrow after cutting?
No; harvesting is a one-cut process.
How much seed do I need per tray?
About 2–3 teaspoons for a 10 × 20 in (25 × 50 cm) tray.
Sources
- Mississippi State University Extension — Microgreen Varieties for the Mississippi Gardener (P2884)
- Mississippi State University Extension — Growing Microgreens for the Mississippi Gardener (P2857)
- UConn Extension — The Amazing Power of Microgreens
- University of Maryland Extension — Growing Microgreens and Baby Greens Indoors
- Virginia Cooperative Extension — Microgreens Production (SPES-756)
- USDA ARS — Specialty Greens Pack a Nutritional Punch
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Starr-150326-0887-Brassica rapa var chinensis-seedlings in Hydroponics greenhouse-Town Sand Island-Midway Atoll (24971491710) by Forest and Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0 us); -2020-10-01 Swede beet seedlings (Brassica napus subsp. Rapifera), Trimingham by Kolforn (Kolforn) I’d appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you (CC BY-SA 4.0); Lufa Farms Microgreens in Trays by Lufa Farms (CC BY-SA 2.0); Liping Kou observes microgreens by Peggy Greb (Public domain); 20160617-AMS-LSC-9000 (61-sec.) (27334710733) by U.S. Department of Agriculture (Public domain)