When to Plant Pac Choi in Morris 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.
Morris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Morris County receives approximately 69.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.
Morris County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Morris County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5โ6.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0โ7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Morris County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
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 | 1.7" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 7.4" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 11.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 11.4" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 9.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Morris 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 Morris County, TX
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 โ Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 โ Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 โ Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 โ May 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 โ Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | โ |
| July | โ |
| August | โ |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
๐ง Water
1.5"/week ยท Only during dry spells
๐ Days to Maturity
40โ55 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
๐ Growing Season
244 days in Morris County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Morris County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 12 in Morris County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Morris County dries quickly โ mulch Pac Choi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96ยฐF in Morris County, provide afternoon shade for Pac Choi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 244.0-day season in Morris 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
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Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Morris County, TX?
Morris County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morris County, TX?
Morris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.
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