Bok Choy in Zone 7B — Texas

Bok choy is a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. It’s quick to mature, delicious in stir-fries or soups, and surprisingly unfazed by our unpredictable weather when planted at the right time. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, crisp leaves from your own backyard, even with the Texas heat bearing down, is hard to beat.

Sure, gardening in Texas comes with its challenges: the brutal summer heat, occasional drought, and the ever-present threat of fire ants. But with a long growing season like ours – around 255 days – and a little planning, you can easily enjoy two harvests of bok choy each year.

Starting bok choy indoors in Texas isn't always necessary, but it can give you a head start, especially for that early spring crop. If you want to get going early, aim to sow your seeds indoors from early to late February, about four weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This is useful if you want to "plant early, harvest early" to beat the heat.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (around 70°F) and provide plenty of light, either with a grow light or a sunny windowsill. Be sure to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth. The early spring weather can be so variable, so this can be a good way to hedge your bets.

Transplant your bok choy seedlings outdoors from early March through late April, after the danger of any hard freezes has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them acclimate to the Texas sunshine and wind.

When transplanting, space the seedlings 6-10 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late cold snap can still happen, so be prepared to cover your seedlings if needed.

Direct sowing bok choy is a great option, especially for the fall garden. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from late February through late September, staggering plantings for a continuous harvest. The advantage is less fuss; the disadvantage is that you can lose young seedlings to pests or weather.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 6-10 inches apart once they emerge. Direct sowing is especially useful for fall plantings, as the soil is still warm enough for quick germination.

Watering is critical for bok choy, especially in the Texas heat. Bok choy needs consistent moisture to thrive, otherwise it will bolt. During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, aim to water deeply about once a week, providing around 1 inch of water.

During the brutal summer months, you might need to water every other day, or even daily, depending on rainfall and humidity. Use the "finger test" – if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water. It's better to water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around your bok choy plants can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool, which is especially important during the Texas heat.

You can expect your first harvest of bok choy from early April through late November, about 45 days after planting. You can harvest baby bok choy when the leaves are 6-8 inches tall, or wait for the full size at 12-15 inches. The flavor is similar.

To harvest, simply cut the plant above the base, leaving the roots intact. This allows the plant to regrow, providing you with multiple harvests. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining bok choy, as it won't survive a hard freeze.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing bok choy in Texas:

Flea Beetles

• What it looks like: Tiny round holes (shot-hole pattern) in leaves. You'll see small dark beetles that jump when disturbed. Young seedlings suffer the worst damage.
• What causes it: These small jumping beetles love to feed on the leaves of brassicas, among other things. They are especially damaging to small, young plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use row covers to protect seedlings during their vulnerable stage. You can also delay planting until the plants are larger and more resistant. A coating of kaolin clay can deter them, and neem oil spray can help control infestations. Interplanting with basil or catnip can also help. Remember, healthy, vigorous plants are more likely to outgrow the damage.

Cabbage Worms

• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars chewing irregular holes in the leaves, leaving behind dark green droppings. You might also see white butterflies fluttering around your plants.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of those white cabbage butterflies. In our warm climate, they can have multiple generations per season, so keep an eye out.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is very effective against cabbage worms. Floating row covers can prevent the butterflies from laying eggs on your plants. You can also handpick the caterpillars off the leaves. Interplanting with aromatic herbs like thyme and sage can help deter them, and encouraging parasitic wasps can also keep their numbers down.

Slugs

• What it looks like: Irregular holes in leaves, especially on low-growing plants. You'll also see silvery slime trails on the leaves and soil. Damage is worse at night and in wet weather.
• What causes it: Slugs are gastropods that feed at night in moist conditions. They hide under mulch, boards, and debris during the day. Flash floods can make this situation worse.
• How to fix/prevent it: Try beer traps – shallow dishes of beer sunk into the soil. Iron phosphate bait is pet-safe and effective. Remove hiding spots like mulch and debris. Water in the morning so the soil surface dries out by evening. Copper tape around beds can deter slugs, and diatomaceous earth around plants can also help.

Bolting in Heat

• What it looks like: Your cool-season crop sends up a flower stalk, and the leaves become tough and bitter. The harvest quality declines rapidly.
• What causes it: Extended warm temperatures above the crop's comfort zone. Brassicas like bok choy bolt when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
• How to fix/prevent it: Time your plantings for the cooler parts of the year – spring and fall. Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Provide shade during warm spells, and use mulch to keep the soil cool. Harvest your bok choy before bolting progresses too far.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas make growing bok choy a bit of a balancing act. Consistent watering is key to prevent bolting, but be careful not to overwater, especially during periods of high humidity. Mulching can help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. Keep an eye out for pests, which can thrive in our warm climate.

Good companions for bok choy in Texas include garlic and onion, which help to deter pests. Beets and lettuce are also beneficial, as they don't compete for the same nutrients. Spinach is another great companion, as it provides ground cover and helps to keep the soil cool and moist.

Avoid planting bok choy near strawberries or tomatoes. Strawberries can attract slugs, which can also damage your bok choy. Tomatoes can compete for nutrients and water, especially in our hot, dry summers.