Do you enjoy pak choi in your salad?
If so, you might want to try pak choi microgreens!
They are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
These tiny greens pack a punch of flavor and nutrients that can elevate any dish to the next level.
Would you like to avoid purchasing them at the store and grow them yourself?
They are also incredibly easy to cultivate. With just a few basic materials, you can have a bountiful harvest of these tasty greens in no time.
Let’s find out how to grow pak choi microgreens from home quickly and easily!
Pak Choi Microgreens
If you’ve never tried pak choi microgreens, these are the young plants that are harvested after the cotyledon leaves have emerged and the first set of true leaves have started to grow.
Interestingly, they are a variety of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) and are commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Pak choi microgreens are grown from the same seeds as mature pak choi, but they are harvested at an earlier stage when the plants are only a few inches tall.
What Do Pak Choi Microgreens Taste Like?
While it can be a matter of preference, let’s just admit that all microgreens are tasty, right?
Pak choi microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.
When you’re cooking try using it as a garnish or add it to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries for a little crunch.
Equipment for Growing Pak Choi Microgreens
To grow pak choi microgreens, you don’t need a lot of equipment or space.
You can easily set up a small growing area in your home with just a few basic tools. Here are the essential pieces of equipment you’ll need:
Growing Tray
You can use a standard 10×20-inch growing tray, which is readily available at most garden centers and online stores. I think it’s better to use a tray with drainage holes to prevent water buildup and mold growth.
Growing Medium
A soilless growing medium like coconut coir or peat moss is ideal for growing pak choi microgreens. It should be lightweight, well-draining, and free from pests and diseases.
Pak Choi Seeds
You can purchase pak choi seeds online or from a garden center. Make sure to choose high-quality seeds from a reputable source.
Spray Bottle
Use a spray bottle to water your microgreens without disturbing the delicate seeds and seedlings.
Grow Light
Pak choi microgreens need plenty of light to grow and thrive. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can use a grow light to provide the necessary light spectrum for optimal growth.
Scissors
When it’s time to harvest your pak choi microgreens, you’ll need a pair of scissors to snip them off at the base.
Start Growing Pak Choi Microgreens at Home
Planting Seeds
To plant pak choi microgreens, first, select a growing tray or container.
Use a tray that’s 2-3 inches deep, with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating.
Next, fill the tray with a growing medium, such as soil or coconut coir. Make sure the medium is moistened before planting to ensure the seeds have enough moisture to germinate.
Growing Process
After a few days, the pak choi seeds will start to germinate, and the microgreens will begin to grow. At this point, remove the lid or plastic wrap and move the tray to a location with plenty of light.
Continue to mist the microgreens regularly to keep the growing medium moist.
You have to monitor the growth of the pak choi microgreens and ensure that they are not overcrowded.
Thin out any seedlings that are too close together to allow the remaining microgreens to grow to their full potential.
After 10-14 days, the pak choi microgreens will be ready to harvest.
Harvesting Pak Choi Microgreens
Now on to the best part!
Pak choi microgreens are usually ready to harvest between 7-14 days after planting, depending on the growing conditions and temperature.
The first sign that they are ready is the appearance of their second set of leaves, which should be fully grown and green. At this point, it’s time to prepare for harvest.
To start, prepare a clean workspace with a cutting board, sharp scissors or a knife, and a clean container to hold the harvested microgreens. Before harvesting, give the pak choi microgreens a final rinse with clean water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake off the excess water and pat dry with a clean towel.
To harvest the microgreens, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut the stem just above the soil line, taking care not to damage the surrounding plants. Cut only the amount of microgreens that you need, leaving the rest to continue growing. This will allow for multiple harvests from the same tray.
Use this to your advantage so you can get the most bang for your buck!
Storing Microgreens
After harvesting, store the microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They should last for up to a week, although they are best consumed within a few days for maximum freshness and nutrition.
I think one of the best ways to extend their lifespan is by drying your greens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pak Choi Microgreens
How Long Does Pak Choi Take to Sprout?
You’ll be delighted to know that pak choi microgreens typically take around 2 to 3 days to sprout after planting.
Don’t take this as a sign that this will always happen because it can depend on things like the quality of the seeds, temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions.
To ensure that they sprout more easily, keep them in a warm and moist environment, preferably at a temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Nutrients Does Pak Choi Need to Grow?
To grow the pak choi plant, it needs macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are nutrients that are required in relatively large quantities, while micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts.
This plant requires a soil mix that is high in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide it with the necessary macronutrients.
Organic matter is important because it helps to improve soil structure and fertility, and also helps to retain moisture.
In addition to organic matter, pak choi also requires a balanced supply of macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is important for vegetative growth and is required in larger quantities than other macronutrients. Phosphorus is important for root growth and flower and fruit production, while potassium is important for overall plant health and disease resistance.
Other Microgreens to Grow at Home
Start Growing Your Greens for a Bountiful Harvest!
There you have it!
A simple and quick way to grow pak choi microgreens at home.
Don’t overthink the process either. Just try getting some high-quality seeds and all the equipment mentioned to get started.
Remember that microgreens are one of the easiest plant types to grow and they don’t need the same maintenance that other plants do.
