Growing Bok Choy Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Bok Choy can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Bok Choy Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Bok Choy
Recommended: 8–10 inch pot
Bok choy grows rapidly and moderately large. An 8-inch pot suits baby bok choy varieties; use a 10-inch pot for standard varieties. 6–8 inches of depth is sufficient.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
12–14 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
Cool-spectrum LED grow lights (6500K) for 12–14 hours. Bok choy grows well with moderate light levels — a 20–40W LED panel 12 inches above the plant produces excellent baby bok choy in 30 days.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 50–70%
Bok choy prefers moderate to high humidity and cool temperatures. It grows exceptionally well under grow lights in cool rooms. Consistent moisture is key to tender, non-bitter leaves.
Ideal Temperature: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Bok Choy Indoors: Step by Step
Choose baby bok choy varieties
Baby bok choy varieties (like 'Toy Choy' or 'Dwarf Pak Choy') mature in 30 days and suit containers much better than large field varieties.
Sow seeds or transplant
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 3 inches apart, in moist potting mix. Or transplant nursery seedlings. Germination takes 5–7 days.
Keep consistently moist and cool
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Dry soil causes stress and bitterness. Keep temperatures below 70°F for best results.
Feed with nitrogen fertilizer
Bok choy grows fast and needs regular feeding. Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Harvest young
For baby bok choy, harvest the entire plant at 4–6 inches tall (about 30 days). Alternatively, harvest outer leaves of larger plants as needed.
Common Indoor Bok Choy Problems & Fixes
Bolting (tall flower stalk appears)
Cause
Temperatures above 75°F or very long light periods
Fix
Harvest immediately if bolting begins; keep cooler; limit light to 12 hours
Aphids on undersides of leaves
Cause
Common indoor pest
Fix
Inspect weekly; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; rinse leaves
Loose, open heads (standard varieties)
Cause
Insufficient light or heat
Fix
Increase light intensity; harvest as individual leaves rather than waiting for heads
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Bok Choy indoors?
Yes, Bok Choy can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 12–14 hours of Bright indirect light or grow lights, a 8–10 inch pot, and temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C). The difficulty level for growing Bok Choy indoors is Easy.
How much light does indoor Bok Choy need?
Indoor Bok Choy needs 12–14 hours of light per day. Cool-spectrum LED grow lights (6500K) for 12–14 hours. Bok choy grows well with moderate light levels — a 20–40W LED panel 12 inches above the plant produces excellent baby bok choy in 30 days.
What size container does indoor Bok Choy need?
Bok choy grows rapidly and moderately large. An 8-inch pot suits baby bok choy varieties; use a 10-inch pot for standard varieties. 6–8 inches of depth is sufficient.
Best Cities for Growing Bok Choy Outdoors
If you're growing Bok Choy indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Bok Choy Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Bok Choy in your city with our climate-based calendar.