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Pac Choi Planting Guide

Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ยท Vegetable ยท Brassicaceae family ยท 40โ€“55 days to maturity

Get Your Personalized Pac Choi Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.

Where Can You Grow Pac Choi?

Pac Choi Growing Regions

Click any state to see the Pac Choi planting schedule for that location.

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest
Zone 2a Apr 18 May 23 May 30 Jul 11 โ€“ Aug 8
Zone 2b Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 โ€“ Jul 31
Zone 3a Apr 3 May 8 May 15 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 24
Zone 3b Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jun 21 โ€“ Jul 19
Zone 4a Mar 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 15
Zone 4b Mar 20 Apr 24 May 1 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 10
Zone 5a Mar 21 Apr 11 Apr 25 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 4
Zone 5b Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 โ€“ Jun 27
Zone 6a Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 โ€“ Jun 19
Zone 6b Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 โ€“ Jun 12
Zone 7a Feb 18 Mar 11 Mar 25 May 6 โ€“ Jun 3
Zone 7b Feb 11 Mar 4 Mar 18 Apr 29 โ€“ May 27
Zone 8a Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 โ€“ May 17
Zone 8b Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 โ€“ May 6
Zone 9a Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 21
Zone 9b Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 25 Mar 8 โ€“ Apr 5
Zone 10a Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 12
Zone 10b Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 12
Zone 11a Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 12
Zone 11b Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 12
Why are some columns showing "โ€”"?

Transplant shows "โ€”" because Pac Choi is best direct sown where it will grow. Transplanting can disturb the roots and slow growth.

How to Plant Pac Choi

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

๐Ÿ‚ Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch heavily to retain moisture.

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil โ€” ideal for most garden beds.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Hardiness Zones

Zone 2a โ€“ 11b

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

40โ€“55 days

Quick-growing crop. Multiple plantings per season are possible.

๐Ÿ‘ช Plant Family

Brassicaceae

Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Brassicaceae family crops grew last year.

Succession Planting Pac Choi

Pac Choi matures in just 40โ€“55 days, making it ideal for succession planting. In a typical 180-day growing season, you can get up to 5 successive plantings by sowing every 4.6 weeks.

Your actual succession count depends on your local frost dates. Enter your ZIP code to get personalized succession planting dates for your area.

Companion Planting for Pac Choi

โœ… Good Companions

โŒ Keep Away From

Strawberries

Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Growing Tips for Pac Choi

Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.

Saving Pac Choi Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

๐ŸŒฑ
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

๐Ÿงช
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

๐Ÿท๏ธ
Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Level Up Your Garden

Pac Choi by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Pac Choi?

Pac Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) takes 40 to 55 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Pac Choi grow in?

Pac Choi can be grown in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Pac Choi need?

Growing Pac Choi requires Partial Shade (3-6 hours), High โ€” keep soil consistently moist, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.