When to Plant Pac Choi in Medina 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.
Medina County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.
At an elevation of 1,498 feet, Medina County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, 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.
Medina County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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 Medina County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Medina County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Sep 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Medina County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 — Medina County, TX
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 10 |
| Harvest | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · 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 | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
265 days in Medina County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Medina County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 03 in Medina County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 265.0-day season in Medina 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 Medina County, TX?
Medina County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Medina County, TX?
Medina County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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