When to Plant Pac Choi in DeWitt County, TX
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.
DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.
At an elevation of 1,649 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pac Choi root diseases.
DeWitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in DeWitt County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8โ7.8) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0โ7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in DeWitt County is excellent for Pac Choi โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Pac Choi is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 โ consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | โ | 1.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.1" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5.9" | 0.6" | ๐ง Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 9.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 11.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in DeWitt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline โ DeWitt County, TX
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 โ Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 2 | Mar 2 โ Mar 16 |
| Direct Sow | February 16 | Feb 16 โ Mar 9 |
| Harvest | April 13 | Apr 13 โ May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 โ Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | โ |
| July | โ |
| August | โ |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
๐ง Water
1.5"/week ยท 2-3 times/week
๐ Days to Maturity
40โ55 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
๐ Growing Season
269 days in DeWitt County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in DeWitt County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 02 in DeWitt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 269.0-day season in DeWitt County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in DeWitt County, TX?
DeWitt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeWitt County, TX?
DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.
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