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When to Plant Pac Choi in Iowa

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.

Iowa spans USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Pac Choi planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Pac Choi Planting Calendar for Iowa

Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 10
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 4
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Jun 27

Growing Tips for Iowa

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Iowa?

Planting dates for Pac Choi in Iowa depend on your USDA zone. Iowa spans zones 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Iowa for planting?

Iowa contains USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

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