Bok Choy Purple (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis): this small cabbage from the Far East is taking on the world. Its great appealing is due to two main characteristics, the nice appearance, and the subtle, refined taste, which are perfect complement to its ease of cultivation. We are the only ones in Europe to propose this particular variety with crisp green stems and tender purple leaves ( reproducible seeds, no F1 and GMO free). To be sown in seedbed from July to November and again from January to March. It germinates in about a week, ready for transplant in two. Harvesting takes place less than 60 days after sowing, scalated sowing is recommended.  It has no special needs of cultivation, and needs only 4 hours of direct sunshine a day. This selection is of great importance because it focuses on the organoleptic properties of the variety, the leaves are juicy, the stems tasty, and the chromatic contrast is fascinating: just perfect for important dishes.

Cultivation space: 30cm between the plants for 40cm between the rows. The availability is limited, so we recommend to reproduce the seeds: for southern Italy or where there are no frosts, you can keep some plants go on soil until the daylight hours increase and temperatures rise so it will start producing seeds, that is, it will flower and then provide pods that can be collected once they dry. For the areas where it frosts it can be planted on soil in March, after a couple of months it will have produced seeds. Bok choy does not need winterization to produce seeds.

It can be cultivated all year round, but winter is preferable before the hot season since it does not bear torrid climates well. The sowing can be escalated so as to have an extended harvest in March - April and then in August - October. It can be harvested in two ways: small for salads so for raw consumption, and when it is around 1/2kg to be cooked. To get the seeds it is necessary to wait for the spring following the sowing, allowing some plants to reach up to 1kg before the flowering.