When to Plant Pac Choi in USDA Zone 5b
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 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Zone 5b
Where Is USDA Zone 5b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Pac Choi planting schedule for that location.
Pac Choi Planting Calendar — Zone 5b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b 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
-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
178 days (Zone 5b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Pac Choi in Zone 5b
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Zone 5b
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
Level Up Your Garden
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 5b?
In Zone 5b, plan your Pac Choi planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Start seeds indoors around March 14. Direct sow outdoors around April 4. Transplant seedlings around April 18.
Can Pac Choi grow in Zone 5b?
Yes, Pac Choi can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Pac Choi (40-55 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Pac Choi in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Pac Choi from May 30 – June 27. Pac Choi takes 40-55 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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