Days to Maturity: 40 from direct sow

The best for baby veggies, with a tight growth habit and dense, shapely habit. Li Ren choy combines all the best attributes of baby pak choi: it is a space saver and a very quick crop, yet it also has well developed flavor. It is deliciously bold flavored and succulent.

Even if you live in a northern climate where frost may come unexpectedly early, chances are you have time to grow and harvest this super-quick little delicacy. It loves the cool weather, so sow it successively from late summer all the way to mid-fall, depending upon the first anticipated frost date in your area. Great fresh eating all season—right through Thanksgiving in some climates.

Pak choi (or bok choi) is grown like Chinese cabbage: it is a cool-season crop typically grown in fall and early winter, though in warmer climates harvest can continue well into winter. Seeds are best direct-sown in rows about 2 feet apart. As the seedlings emerge, thin them to 12 inches apart.