When to Plant Pac Choi in USDA Zone 3a
April to-do list for Zone 3a
Welcome to April in Zone 3a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Before May arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: pac choi
- Direct-sowing: pac choi
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.
In Zone 3a, the average last spring frost is around May 15 and the first fall frost is around September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Zone 3a
Where Is USDA Zone 3a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3a. Click any state to see the Pac Choi planting schedule for that location.
Pac Choi Planting Calendar — Zone 3a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 3a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–55 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
123 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Pac Choi in Zone
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~123 days). Start Pac Choi indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Pac Choi Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Pac Choi in Other Zones
Pac Choi by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Zone 3a?
In Zone 3a, plan your Pac Choi planting around the average last frost date of May 15. Start seeds indoors around April 3. Direct sow outdoors around May 8. Transplant seedlings around May 15.
Can Pac Choi grow in Zone 3a?
Yes, Pac Choi can grow well in Zone 3a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 3a has a growing season of approximately 123 days, which is sufficient for Pac Choi (40-55 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Pac Choi in Zone 3a?
In Zone 3a, expect to harvest Pac Choi from June 26 – July 24. Pac Choi takes 40-55 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 3a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 3a is around May 15, and the first fall frost is around September 15. This gives a growing season of approximately 123 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Pac Choi?
Good companion plants for Pac Choi include Celery, Lettuce, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.