Bok Choy
Seeds Per Plug: 1
Light requirement: 12 Hours On – 12 Hours off
Watering Schedule: 30 minutes every hour- 8 hours off at night
Yields Per Plant: 55+ grams per harvest
Nutrients: Vegetable A & B
Growing Cycle: 45 Days
Plant Spacing 8 inches
Pollination: N/A
What to Expect
Nutrients: Compared to some of the other crops we can grow hydroponically, bok choy is one of the easier ones to feed. I recommend using a vegetable A & B mixture for this, and feeding every 2-3 weeks, depending on pH and EC levels. You can also dose with dry or liquid nutrients, as long as you’re adding the A & B nutrients separately.
Pollination: Because our bok choy doesn’t flower, there is no pollination needed! Once the plant is transplanted into your hydroponic system, just sit back and relax!
Pruning: There isn’t much pruning needed for this plant. If you notice some of the leaves looking a little crispy or mushy, remove them as needed.
Harvesting: Bok Choy leaves will naturally grow at different rates. The leaves closest to the plant’s root tend to be the largest, so we can harvest bok choy as needed, and the plant will continue to grow, extending its lifespan! Once the stock of the plant is looking a bit thick or you notice the taste of the leaves changes, it’s time to swap it out!
Hydroponic Timeline
SEEDLING
WEEK 2
WEEK 4
HARVEST
Seed Recommendation
Troubleshooting & Such
Why aren’t my seeds germinating?
There are several reasons your seeds aren’t germinating. The first is the quality of the seed; try to pick ones you know are fresh and from a reliable source. I linked the ones I used on the first page. Your pods may also be too dry. You want to keep your pods wet, but not soaked. Additionally, you want to make sure your seedlings are getting sufficient light and a consistent temperature between 21 and 25 degrees C.
I have pests! Now what?
First, make sure there are no plants in the soil near your hydroponic system, and limit its exposure to dogs and other pets that frequently go outside. If you can sacrifice the infected plant, the easy thing to do is remove it to save the rest of your plants. Subsequently, use a soap-and-water or hydrogen peroxide-and-water solution on your plants daily. You also want to give your entire system a thorough cleaning before replanting plants in it.
My plant looks discoloured or a bit fried.
If your leaves are discoloured (often yellow), this is typically a nutrient deficiency. Test your pH & EC to see where your levels are. Add pH or nutrient accordingly. If the leaves look crispy, this is often due to too much light. Your light may be too close to the plant, or are running for too long. Typically, you want your plant at least a foot from the light, and not exposed to light for more than 18 hours.
Why does my system have Algae?
Almost every hydroponic system has algae. This is bound to happen when you mix water and direct light. There are several ways to reduce algae, including having a dry period where your pump is not running and ensuring your water sources are covered. My ZipGarden comes with 2 drip tray covers for this exact reason: they reduce light exposure to water and limit algae growth in the tray. If you have a ZipGrow system, your wicking strips will get algae on them. It doesn’t pose a risk to the plant’s health or quality.If your leaves are discoloured (often yellow), this is typically a nutrient deficiency. Test your pH & EC to see where your levels are. Add pH or nutrient accordingly. If the leaves look crispy, this is often due to too much light. Your light may be too close to the plant, or are running for too long. Typically, you want your plant at least a foot from the light, and not exposed to light for more than 18 hours.
Things to Remember...
- Make sure your reservoir is large enough to last at least a week without refilling.
- Make sure you have a tool on hand to self-pollinate your tomato plant.
- Vent your seedling before taking the dome off.
- Don’t leave your lights on for an extended period if your pump is off.
- Find a pump that is appropriate for your hydroponic set up.
- Be patient with your plants, they won’t be ready overnight!
The Hydroponic Kitchen Rules to Grow By
- Remember, in hydroponics, there are a dozen ways to get the same result, and there is still so much more to uncover.
Get the Complete Guide
Get the complete guide to growing hydroponic bok choy at home!
- 3-Page Overview of Growing Hydroponic Bok Choy
- Lighting & Watering Requirements
- Spacing, Pollination, Dosing, pH & EC
- Timeline & What to Expect
- Equipment Overview
- Checklists
- Recipe Recommendations
- Troubleshooting & More!
