Wong Bok
Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis- DifficultyEasy
- LightFull sun, 6+ hrs daily
- WaterConstant, even moisture
- pH6.0-6.2
- Temp15-24°C
- HarvestWinter (sow Apr-May in Tas)
Botanical taxonomy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Genus
- Brassica
- Species
- rapa
- Cultivar
- Pekinensis
Origins
Originating from China in the Yangtze River Region, this Chinese cabbage may have been a hybrid between a turnip and Pak Choi. It then spread to Japan and Korea and is used as a sign of prosperity in China.
Watering and nutrients
Wong Bok needs a steady amount of water so they don't dry out. An irrigation system or a wicking bed is ideal! They prefer a slightly acidic pH of 6.0-6.2.
You can grow Wong Bok in soil, potting mix or hydroponically!
We recommend a fertiliser high in nitrogen, designed for foliage-based plants, that can be used from seedling to harvest with a few additives (see our recommendations below).
Position
Wong Bok enjoys a full sun position in cooler months and is frost tolerant for short periods at 0°C. Persistent frosts below 5°C can't be endured and can lead to bolting. They need a minimum of 6 hours of sun daily.
The best time to plant your seedlings in Tasmania is April to May for a winter harvest, enjoying temperatures of 15-24°C. The cooler temperatures provide a sweeter, crispier flavour!
Because Wong Bok doesn't enjoy a hot spot, make sure they aren't placed near anything that could cause heat stress, like next to a shed or a brick wall. This heat stress can lead to bolting, an early flowering that turns the harvest bitter. This can also happen naturally, but luckily you can save the seeds for next time.
Persistent cold frosts can also cause bolting in Wong Bok. To provide extra warmth, you can cover your plant with a cloth or frost cover.
Tips and Tricks
- Got caterpillars? Treat them with Dipel for an organic, withholding-free pest treatment!
- Brassicas are prone to bolting if it gets too hot, so keep them where they won't overheat when the sun is on them.
- Don't use mycorrhizal fungi inoculants. Plants in the Brassica family can't form a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi.
- Avoid cold snaps with your seedlings. Keeping the temperature around 15-24°C helps them transplant and lowers the chance of premature bolting.
- Constant moisture! Letting only the first inch of medium dry out before watering again is key to a tasty harvest, and it prevents tip-burn and bolting from water stress.
- Don't hold back on the fertiliser! These plants love a good feed with high-nitrogen fertiliser every 2 weeks.
