[gilesi]

Hope someone can help - my pak choi are too small to pick but already are starting to set seeds/flowers in the centre. What am I doing wrong ?
Thanks!

[simonwatson]

Usually when a plant flowers before maturity it's a sign of stress. The plant is basically saying I've gotta do this now cos I don't think I'll get to do it later.

[compostqueen]

It can happen, say if you get a hot dry spell after sowing.  They do prefer cooler conditions.  Just try sowing a few more.   This is why we never dow the entire packet.  If you stagger the sowings you have more chance of success

The plants you have can be cooked, either steamed or stir fried, including the flowering seed head

[Nobbie]

Pak choi is very liable to bolting, it's been fairly dry recently, so that's probably what's caused it.

[NewSteve]

Pak choi is notoriously prone to bolting if you sow it in spring. It's not adapted to the long days. The usual advice is to either start it very early or wait until after midsummer.

[Tom Parrot]

Hello,
I tried several times over the years and always had problems with Pak Choi.
Eventually tried successfully with other Chinese veg which although not as good looking or tasty as Pok Choi are easier to grow and are still good in stir fries etc.

[moose]

I gave up sowing Pak Choi in spring and now only sow after mid-summer. I sowed in August last year and had crops till well into the new year. It was a mild winter down here.

[GrannieAnnie]

I may wait a bit then.  My pak choi last year bolted!   thanks for this post! 

[sunshineband]

I may wait a bit then.  My pak choi last year bolted!   thanks for this post! 

Unless you are going to eat Pak Choi as baby leaves, it is best to wait until round the end of July to sow it, o it runs to seed very quickly.

 I always shade mine with some debris netting if the weather is very hot, as well as keeping it well watered 

[devonbarmygardener]

The only success I've had with Pak Choi was with an overwintering type - they were amazing.
This time of year - not a chance for me!

[Beetroot Queen]

I did mine early and it bolted and it was starting to look great.

[pigguns]

Usually in guttering under netting is ok, I do keep them damp and shaded.

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

I sow the Yuushou variety in about the 11th week of the year in modules and plant out a few weeks later under netting. I then get reasonable heads although attacked by flea beetle.

However I won't bother again with successional sowings as they just bolt.  Sowing after midsummer (or delaying even September) is when I start sowing again if I remember.