Pak Choi
Brassica rapa chinensis
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Pl. 821F — Brassica rapa chinensis
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IOverview
Overview
Pak Choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) is an edible member of the cabbage family known for its mild flavor and tender texture. Native to regions in Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5 and 8. It grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is propagated by direct seeding outdoors. The edible parts include the leaves and stem, making it a versatile addition to salads and stir-fries. One distinctive feature of Pak Choi is its biennial nature, though it can be grown as an annual in suitable climates with hardiness zones ranging from 6 to 9.
Quick answers
What is Pak Choi?
Pak Choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) is an edible member of the cabbage family known for its mild flavor and tender texture. Native to regions in Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5 and 8.
What is Pak Choi used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Pak Choi
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Pak Choi, a Brassica species traditionally used in Chinese medicine, supports digestive health by promoting regularity and aiding digestion. Its high fiber content may help alleviate constipation and improve gut motility.
The dietary fiber in Pak Choi helps regulate bowel movements by increasing stool bulk and promoting peristalsis. However, the specific compounds responsible for these effects are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Pak Choi support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pak Choi thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 5 and 8. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay. Planting directly outdoors is recommended for best results. Pak Choi grows well in temperate regions with hardiness ranging from zones 6-9. Ensure it receives ample light, as it rates a moderate need for sunlight. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5–8
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors
- Row spacing
- 2 cm
- Seed viability
- 3 to 7 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Pak Choi for the first time
7steps
Start with direct seeding outdoors for a simple and rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden plot or large container, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is cool but not frozen, or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with partial shade and well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct seed outdoors, spacing seeds about 2.5 cm apart in rows 30-45 cm apart. Cover lightly with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and thin plants to 15 cm apart once they have grown their second set of true leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide light shade if needed, and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Harvest outer leaves as needed when plants are about 15 cm tall. Cut the entire plant at ground level for a bigger harvest.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (5)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRussia
Asia6 regions
native (6)IranIraqOmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa6 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Argentina South, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Andaman Is., Amur, Altay, Aleutian Is., Alberta
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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