Mei Qing Choi Seeds

Brassica rapa Mei Qing Choi

Brassica rapa Mei Qing Choi is a premium hybrid Shanghai-type pak choi, distinguished by its compact, vase-shaped habit and unique pale green stems. Growing to about 8 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 8 to 10 inches, this variety is the top choice for harvesting "baby bok choy" due to its perfectly proportioned, spoon-shaped leaves and tender texture. Unlike the large, white-stemmed varieties, Mei Qing Choi features succulent, light green petioles that are exceptionally sweet and crisp, offering superior bolt resistance and uniformity for reliable harvests in both spring and autumn gardens.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The entire plant is edible and tender, making it ideal for quartering or cooking whole in stir-fries, noodle soups, and braised dishes.
• The pale green stems (petioles) are sweeter and less fibrous than many larger white-stemmed varieties, requiring very little cooking time to become meltingly tender.
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and antioxidants, it provides a nutrient-dense boost to healthy meals while adding a vibrant pop of green color.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Distinctive smooth, spoon-shaped dark green leaves atop broad, pale misty-green stalks; highly ornamental and cleaner looking than open-pollinated types.
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, and tight vase-shape; perfectly suited for high-density planting in small garden beds, window boxes, or patio containers.
• Flowers: If left to bolt in extreme heat, it sends up stalks of small, bright yellow four-petaled flowers that are edible and attractive to pollinators.
• Seeds: Harvested after seed pods dry and turn brown; the small, round, reddish-brown seeds are vigorous and easy to sow directly into the garden.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers cooler temperatures but tolerates heat better than most varieties (benefits from afternoon shade in summer).
• Soil: Requires fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter and nitrogen to fuel rapid, leafy growth.
• Water: Needs consistent moisture to maintain its juicy crunch and prevent stress-induced bolting; mulch is recommended to retain soil humidity.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or thin seedlings 6 to 10 inches apart; can be planted closer if harvesting strictly as baby greens.
• Maintenance: Sow in succession every two weeks for a continuous harvest; protect from flea beetles and slugs with row covers if necessary.

Shipping Info

Mei Qing Choi seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.