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When to Plant Pac Choi in Harris 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.

Harris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.

At an elevation of 390 feet, Harris County receives approximately 67.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Pac Choi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pac Choi root diseases.

Harris County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
293 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
293 growing days
First Fall Frost December 4

Harris County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (223 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 9 Transplant: Feb 6 🍅 Harvest: Mar 20 – Apr 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (223 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Mar 28 – Apr 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (219 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: Apr 19 – May 17

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,394 gal / 100 sq ft
Pac Choi needs ~1,259 GDD — county provides 7,791 GDD Excellent fit

Pac Choi Planting Timeline โ€” Harris County, TX

Pac Choi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Direct Sow January 24 Jan 24 โ€“ Feb 14
Fall Sowing October 9 Oct 9 โ€“ Oct 23
Harvest March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

Growing Season

293 days

Growing Tips for Harris 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 Harris County, TX?

Harris County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harris County, TX?

Harris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Harris County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Harris County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.