How to Grow Choy Sum
- 1). Till around 3 to 4 inches of composted organic matter or aged manure into the top 12 inches of a sunny, well-draining garden bed, at least a week before planting, preferably two to three weeks prior.
- 2). Form the garden bed into small rows approximately 5 inches tall and spaced 12 inches apart, after the compost or manure has had time to incorporate into the garden bed soil.
- 3). Sow a choy sum seed every 7 to 10 inches along the top of the rows, around 1/2-inch deep in the soil.
- 4). Water the garden bed daily, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 5). Side-dress the choy sum with high-nitrogen fertilizer a week after the first shoots emerge, and again two weeks later.
- 6). Watch for the emergence of flower buds. Once buds are fully formed but not yet open -- typically a month to month and a half after sowing -- cut the whole plant off at the base with a sharp knife. If left after this period, the choy sum bolts and the leaves and stems become tough and less palatable.
