Leafy green
Can you grow Pak Choi on a balcony?
Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group)
Yes — great in containers
Pak Choi (Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group)) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 20 litres (about 30 cm deep). It needs partial shade — around 3+ hours of direct sun a day. Fast: ready in about 35 days. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
⛅ Partial shade (3+ h)
Min. pot
20 L · 30 cm
Water
High
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
Annual
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Sow indoors or outside in small batches every few weeks; grows best in spring and late summer/autumn, not hot dry midsummer (bolts)
Harvest
Fast: ready in about 35 days
Good companions: Grows well interplanted; a heavy feeder, so enrich soil with compost
Balcony tip: Grow in a large container at least 30cm wide and deep in fertile, rich compost; keep it consistently damp and give it some shade to prevent bolting.
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Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Pak Choi need?
Pak Choi needs a container of at least 20 litres, roughly 30 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Pak Choi need on a balcony?
Pak Choi wants partial shade — about 3+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Pak Choi?
Sow indoors or outside in small batches every few weeks; grows best in spring and late summer/autumn, not hot dry midsummer (bolts). Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Pak Choi
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Pak Choi
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.