Green Stem Mei Qing Pak Choi is the first hybrid green-stem Shanghai pak choi ever developed, bred specifically for heat and cold tolerance with built-in bolt resistance. This compact dwarf variety matures in just 40 to 49 days, reaching 12 to 18 inches tall with a tight, upright vase shape that produces individual heads weighing about a quarter pound each. Hardy from zones 2 through 10, it thrives in both spring and fall growing seasons and adapts exceptionally well across diverse climates, making it one of the most reliable pak choi hybrids for home and market gardeners alike.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
2-10
18in H x ?in W
—
High
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The crisp, tender petioles (leafstalks) are the real draw here, delivering that satisfying snap that fresh pak choi lovers crave. Because this was the first green-stem hybrid engineered for bolt resistance and temperature extremes, you're not fighting against your plant's urge to flower prematurely the way you might with older varieties. Its uniform, compact growth means every plant in your garden produces a similarly sized, market-quality head without the lanky, inconsistent harvests that plague less refined cultivars. The wide growing adaptability means you can plant it spring or fall, in containers or in the field, and still expect reliable, predictable results.
Green Stem Mei Qing Pak Choi is prepared and eaten the same way as other pak choi varieties. The petioles (the crisp white and pale green stalks) are the prized edible part, either served raw in salads or cooked quickly in stir-fries, soups, and steamed dishes where their tender texture shines. Because each head stays compact at about a quarter pound, it's perfectly sized for single-meal portions or small household servings, making it especially practical for gardeners who don't need large quantities at once.
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Direct sow seeds outdoors in spring or fall when soil temperatures are cool and consistent. Plant seeds at the appropriate depth and thin seedlings to the 18-inch spacing once they're established and have several true leaves.
Harvest Green Stem Mei Qing Pak Choi when heads reach their mature size and the characteristic tight vase shape is fully formed, typically 40 to 49 days after planting. At this stage, individual heads should weigh approximately a quarter pound and the petioles will be at peak crispness and tenderness. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife when the plant reaches full size; waiting too long risks the plant beginning to elongate or bolt, which diminishes quality. The compact habit of this variety makes it easy to judge maturity visually, as each plant forms a clearly defined, tight bundle rather than loose, sprawling leaves.
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“This variety represents a significant milestone in modern pak choi breeding. It was the first hybrid green-stem dwarf Shanghai pak choi developed with the specific goal of solving two major problems that had long frustrated gardeners: temperature sensitivity and a tendency to bolt. Breeders deliberately selected for heat and cold tolerance, combined with natural bolt resistance, creating a plant that could succeed where traditional pak choi varieties struggled. By introducing hybrid vigor into the green-stem Shanghai group, this variety brought stability and predictability to home gardeners and commercial growers accustomed to more temperamental cultivars.”