Pak Choi

[Argonaut]

Decide to grow some Pak Choi ... bought some plants 3 weeks ago .. in they went and seem to be thriving.
Only thing is they don't look much like Pak Choi I see for sale in Supermarkets or in books.
Normally you see a closed bunch of leaves almost like a bulb at base, with leafy tops.
Certainly no central stalk.

What I have is 4 large leaves, at base, a central stalk then a few inches up the stalk another 4 etc. etc. ,,, up to a height of about 8-10" ... all open, nothing closed up at all.

The tops have now sprouted into small yellow flowers ...

Is this a normal step in growth cycle, and I just need to leave it carry on ?

[maypril]

Not all Pak Chois look like supermarket ones. However if yours are flowering then they've bolted and are probably only fit for the compost heap.

It's a bit early still for Pak Choi, early plantings tend to bolt I think.

Out of curiosity, where did you buy them from?

[Magiccat1978]

Oh dear my mum gave me some seedlings 2 weeks ago and thats exactly what mine look like too Guess I better start again

[Argonaut]

Not all Pak Chois look like supermarket ones. However if yours are flowering then they've bolted and are probably only fit for the compost heap.

It's a bit early still for Pak Choi, early plantings tend to bolt I think.

Out of curiosity, where did you buy them from?

I bought a tray of small seedlings ... in "The Range" ... only been in ground for 3 weeks.

[Flummery]

Pak Choi is much better sown after midsummer. I'ts much less likely to bolt.

[Jardiniere]

eat early, eat often is my motto with all salad stuff ...not that i always stick to it...i have a horrible habit of leaving things (just to get a little bigger) and i turn round and they've bolted , gone to seed, rotted, been eaten by something...

[Minerva]

If the flowers haven't developed too much and are about to set seed, you can still eat the leaves. But yes, start earlier or later in the summer next time.

In Chinese supermarkets and the far east, it's common to find some just the first hints of flowers in Chinese veg. especially in Choi Sum which I tend to always see with early flower development. The flowers in Choi Sum are eaten too.

[Two_Sheds]

I bought a tray of small seedlings ... in "The Range" ... only been in ground for 3 weeks.

I'd complain, but that's just me
Pak Choi (in fact, nearly all Chinese veg) likes cool weather. It just bolts in the summer. Sow again late summer for an autumn crop, and watch the slugs, they love it.