When to Plant Pac Choi in Yuma County, CO
Your May game plan for Yuma County, Colorado
Your Yuma County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Move pac choi into the garden
Your last frost (May 11) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: pac choi
- First harvests: 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.
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 7,664 feet, Yuma County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Yuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.9
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 Yuma County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.9) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Yuma County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Yuma 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 — Yuma County, CO
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Yuma County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Yuma County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 11 in Yuma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 147.0-day season in Yuma 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.
Yuma County receives only 20" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Yuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yuma County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.