When to Plant Bok Choy in Portsmouth City, VA
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 594 feet, Portsmouth City receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Portsmouth City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Portsmouth City, VA
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jun 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
240 days
Growing Tips for Portsmouth City
Direct sow in spring or fall for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Portsmouth City, VA?
Portsmouth City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Portsmouth City, VA?
Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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