Hilary — first about the Chinese broccoli. It will bolt from transplant,
and the reason it doesn't matter is that it is a very quick crop, even
uicker than kohlrabi. It is really just a large broccoli seedling with a
swollen stem. That is the problem; if you grow it as a transplant, you
can't avoid the small shock at transplant time, and that shock will slow
down its growth and then you won't get a tender stem. It will bolt either
way, as you harvest just as it flowers. Pac choi is less of a problem, and
I would reccomnend the variety Mei Quing Choi, which is very resistant to
bolting; if you choose a different one, be sure that it is adapted to the
season; there are fall types and spring types. In the library file of seed
catalogs you'll find Cook's Garden, which lists both. (Plug plug).
As to the melons, the problems are more setting fruit, than growing and
maturing fruit. If the temperatures are too high, the flowers will abort.
Being here in Vermont, I've never had that problem, though, so I can't tell
you what temperature is the killer…..