When to Plant Bok Choy in USDA Zone 3b
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.
In Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around May 10 and the first fall frost is around September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Zone 3b
Where Is USDA Zone 3b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3b. Click any state to see the Bok Choy planting schedule for that location.
Bok Choy Planting Calendar — Zone 3b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 3b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
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
Zone Temperature Range
-35°F to -30°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
135 days (Zone 3b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Bok Choy in Zone 3b
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Zone 3b
Zone 3b has a short growing season (~135 days). Start Bok Choy indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Bok Choy Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Bok Choy in Other Zones
Bok Choy by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Zone 3b?
In Zone 3b, plan your Bok Choy planting around the average last frost date of May 10. Start seeds indoors around March 29. Direct sow outdoors around May 3. Transplant seedlings around May 10.
Can Bok Choy grow in Zone 3b?
Yes, Bok Choy can grow well in Zone 3b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 135 days, which is sufficient for Bok Choy (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Bok Choy in Zone 3b?
In Zone 3b, expect to harvest Bok Choy from June 21 – July 26. Bok Choy takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 3b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 3b is around May 10, and the first fall frost is around September 22. This gives a growing season of approximately 135 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Bok Choy?
Good companion plants for Bok Choy include Celery, Lettuce, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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