When to plant Pac Choi in Collier County, FL
Spring Pac Choi in Collier County goes in December 22–January 12, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from February 18 to March 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pac Choi in Collier County, FL
This month in Collier County, Florida
Here's what deserves your attention in Collier County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 10b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Plant fall tomatoes & peppers
Late August is your fall transplant window. Pick heat-tolerant determinate tomatoes (Heatmaster, Solar Fire, Phoenix). They'll set fruit through fall.
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Direct-sow brassicas indoors or in shade
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts germinate better in cooler conditions. Start indoors or under shade cloth, transplant in September.
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Refresh mulch & drip lines
Check drip irrigation for clogs (afternoon thunderstorm grit). Top off mulch in all beds before the cool-season crops go in.
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.
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Collier County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collier 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 (1.3%). 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.
Pac Choi 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" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Feb | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier 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 — Collier County, FL
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 15 | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Direct Sow | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 12 |
| Harvest | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 23 |
| Fall Sowing | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| March | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| 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 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Collier County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after January 12 in Collier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collier 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 Collier 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 Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 12. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Pac Choi in Collier County, FL?
In Collier County, FL, plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Collier County, FL for Pac Choi?
Collier County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pac Choi grow in Collier County's climate?
Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Collier County's temperate climate. Collier County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.