When to plant Bok Choy in Union County, FL
Union County gardeners should plant Bok Choy between February 8 and March 1 in spring. With Union County's Zone 9a climate (last frost March 1), Bok Choy needs 40–60 days to mature — plant by September 28 for a full harvest. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Bok Choy in Union County, FL
June in the garden — Union County, Florida
A quick June briefing for Union County, Florida gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.
At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Bok Choy may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Bok Choy will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bok Choy root diseases.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Bok Choy 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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Bok Choy prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Union County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Bok Choy will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Bok Choy 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 Bok Choy.
How to Plant Bok Choy
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Bok Choy Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Bok Choy
Bok Choy needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bok Choy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bok Choy 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.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Union County, FL
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 8 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| Harvest | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
271 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Union County
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after March 01 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Union County dries quickly — mulch Bok Choy with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Union County, provide afternoon shade for Bok Choy and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 271.0-day season in Union County allows multiple plantings of Bok Choy. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Bok Choy 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 for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Union County, FL?
Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, FL?
Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Bok Choy in Union County, FL?
In Union County, FL, plant Bok Choy after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, FL for Bok Choy?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Bok Choy grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bok Choy grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Bok Choy grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.