Purple Lady Bok Choy Seeds – Heirloom Baby Variety, 45 Days, Sweet Flavor
Purple Lady Bok Choy is a striking heirloom variety from China, celebrated for its vivid plum-colored leaves and lime-green stems. This cultivar of *Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis* is a refined baby bok choy strain, bred for uniform growth, compact size, and exceptional flavor. Also known as purple pak choi, Chinese mustard, or spoon cabbage, it’s a favorite among chefs and gardeners alike.
- **Latin name:** *Brassica rapa* subsp. *chinensis*
- **Other names:** Purple Pak Choi, Spoon Cabbage, Chinese Mustard
- **Days to harvest:** 45 days to full maturity
- **Plant height:** 6–7 inches tall
- **Leaf color:** Deep purple to maroon leaves with bright green stems
- **Flavor:** Sweet, rich, and slightly mustardy; excellent for stir-fries, grilling, soups, or raw in salads
**History & Highlights:**
Bok choy has been cultivated for over 3,500 years in China. Purple Lady is a modern refinement of traditional varieties, selected for its antioxidant-rich pigmentation and compact habit. Its vivid coloration is not only ornamental but also signals high levels of anthocyanins, making it a nutritious addition to the garden and plate. The neat, upright heads are ideal for small-space gardening and market displays.
**Growing Instructions:**
Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden as soon as soil can be worked in spring or late summer. Sow at ¼ inch depth, spacing seeds 1–2 inches apart, and thin to 12 inches once seedlings establish. Ideal germination occurs at 60–80°F, with sprouts appearing in 10–14 days. Purple Lady prefers cooler weather and partial sun (4–6 hours daily), making it perfect for spring and fall planting.
Use rich, well-drained soil with neutral pH and consistent moisture. Avoid hot summer planting to prevent bolting. For ongoing harvest, snip outer leaves when they reach 5 inches tall or harvest the whole head at 6–8 inches. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks extends the harvest window.
This variety is not frost-hardy but tolerates light chill. Its compact size and vibrant color make it a standout in edible landscapes, raised beds, and containers.