When to Plant Pac Choi in Broward County, FL
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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.
Broward County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 209 feet, Broward County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Broward County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6
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 Broward County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.0) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Broward County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Pac Choi is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Feb | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Broward 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 — Broward County, FL
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Harvest | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 12 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11a
📆 Growing Season
364 days in Broward County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Broward County
Sandy soil in Broward County dries quickly — mulch Pac Choi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 365.0-day season in Broward 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
Good Companions
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Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Broward County, FL?
Broward County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broward County, FL?
Broward County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Your Broward County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Broward County (Zone 11a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.