Pac Choi Shanghai is an exceptional heirloom variety prized throughout South China for its superior culinary qualities and reliable performance. This green-stem cultivar features lustrous dark green foliage and notably thick, tender petioles that deliver exceptional tenderness and flavor complexity. One of the most versatile crops you can grow — harvest as microgreens in as little as 15 days, tender baby leaf at 20–30 days, or full-sized heads at 45 days for maximum flexibility throughout the season. Impressive heat tolerance extends harvest windows well into warm weather when other greens have long since bolted.

Germination Rate: 99%. Test Date: 1/26. TLM.

Why Choose Pac Choi Shanghai?

• Three Harvest Stages: Microgreens at 15 days, baby leaf at 20–30 days, or full heads at 45 days — one planting, three completely different culinary uses.
• 99% Germination Rate: Exceptional germination reliability — nearly every seed produces a strong, healthy plant.
• Heat-Tolerant: Significantly more heat-tolerant than standard bok choy varieties — extends your harvest window deep into warm weather without bolting.
• Thick, Tender Petioles: The hallmark of Shanghai pac choi — thick, juicy green stems that remain tender even at full maturity.
• High-Yielding: Abundant production across multiple harvest cycles — cut-and-come-again at the baby leaf stage for continuous harvests.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years — save seeds year after year.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade — 4–6 hours per day. Partial afternoon shade in warm climates reduces bolt risk.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend generously with compost — pac choi is a heavy nitrogen feeder.
• Planting: Direct sow ¼ inch deep in early spring or fall. For microgreens, sow densely in trays or beds. Can also start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant.
• Spacing: For full heads, thin or transplant to 6–8 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. For baby leaf, sow more densely and harvest by cutting.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist — pac choi bolts quickly under drought stress. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues on foliage.
• Fertilizing: Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to support rapid, lush leaf growth.
• Succession Sowing: Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous microgreen and baby leaf harvests throughout the cool season.
• Harvesting: For microgreens: cut at soil level at 15 days. For baby leaf: cut outer leaves at 20–30 days. For full heads: cut at base at 45 days when heads are firm and compact.

Why Choose David’s Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David’s Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David’s Garden Seeds® holds a valid Vegetable Seed License, ensuring our seeds meet state and federal quality standards.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.

Cooking Methods

• Stir-Fried: The classic preparation — stir-fry over high heat in sesame oil with garlic and ginger for 2–3 minutes until wilted but still crisp. The thick petioles hold their texture beautifully.
• Steamed: Steam whole baby heads for 4–5 minutes and drizzle with oyster sauce, sesame oil, and fried garlic for an authentic Cantonese preparation.
• Sautéed: Slice and sauté in butter or olive oil with garlic for a simple, versatile side dish that pairs with any protein.
• Soups & Ramen: Add halved baby heads or sliced leaves to miso soup, ramen, or pho in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking for tender, flavorful greens.
• Raw in Salads: Tender baby leaves add a mild, slightly peppery note to salads and grain bowls — especially good with a sesame vinaigrette.
• Microgreens: Harvest at 15 days for intensely flavored, nutrient-dense microgreens — exceptional as a garnish or added to sandwiches and wraps.

Order Shanghai Pac Choi Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh Shanghai Pac Choi in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

Applies to harvested pac choi (not planting seeds). Per 1 cup (70g) raw shredded pac choi:

• Calories: 9
• Total Fat: 0.1g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 46mg (2% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 1.5g (1% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0.7g (3% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 156mcg (17% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 31mg (34% Daily Value)
• Vitamin K: 57mcg (48% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 74mg (6% Daily Value)
• Folate: 46mcg (12% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates for harvested leaves from mature pac choi plants.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: While Shanghai pac choi has improved heat tolerance, extended hot weather will eventually trigger bolting. Plant timing for your climate accordingly. Results may vary by growing conditions.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored pac choi seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.
• Planting Zones: Grown as a cool-season annual in all USDA zones. Best in spring and fall. In Zones 9–11, plant October–March for a winter harvest. Can be grown year-round in mild coastal climates.

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