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When to Plant Pac Choi in Union County, OH

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.

Union County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,227 feet, Union County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.

Union County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jul 20

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

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,284 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pac Choi needs ~689 GDD — county provides 2,566 GDD Excellent fit

Pac Choi Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, OH

Pac Choi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Aug 24
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 4

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

40โ€“55 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

177 days

Growing Tips for Union County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Union County, OH?

Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, OH?

Union County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Union County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.