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When to Plant Pac Choi in USDA Zone 8b

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 8b, the average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

Zone 8b Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Zone 8b

Where Is USDA Zone 8b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8b. Click any state to see the Pac Choi planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Pac Choi Planting Calendar — Zone 8b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Fall Sowing September 19 Sep 19 – Oct 3
Harvest April 8 Apr 8 – May 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Free Zone 8b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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 20°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

276 days (Zone 8b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing15 inches apart
Row Spacing24 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 8b

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

Saving Pac Choi Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Zone 8b?

In Zone 8b, plan your Pac Choi planting around the average last frost date of February 25. Start seeds indoors around January 21. Direct sow outdoors around February 11. Transplant seedlings around February 25.

Can Pac Choi grow in Zone 8b?

Yes, Pac Choi can grow well in Zone 8b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 8b has a growing season of approximately 276 days, which is sufficient for Pac Choi (40-55 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Pac Choi in Zone 8b?

In Zone 8b, expect to harvest Pac Choi from April 8 – May 6. Pac Choi takes 40-55 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 8b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is around February 25, and the first fall frost is around November 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 276 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

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 8b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.