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When to plant Pac Choi in Walton County, FL

For Pac Choi in Walton County, the safe spring window opens around February 21 and closes around March 14. Last expected frost is March 14, first fall frost November 15, giving a 246-day growing season. A second sowing from September 20 to October 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Pac Choi in Walton County, FL

Walton County, Florida Zone 9a August

Top priorities for Walton County, Florida gardeners in August

Each item below is timed to Walton County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost March 14
Avg. first frost November 15
Soil temp (4") 92°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.1 hrs

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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.

Walton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 200 feet, Walton County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Pac Choi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Walton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Walton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-6

Drainage

Well Drained

Pac Choi Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (178 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Apr 17 – May 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (173 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jun 15

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 Walton County

How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Walton 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

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Pac Choi

7
successive plantings in your 246-day season

Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 21 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 20.

Pac Choi Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,296 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.5" 3.2" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 6.5" 2.6" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
May 6.5" 3.5" 3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 6.5" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 6.5" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 6.5" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 6.5" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 6.5" 4.2" 2.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 6.5" 2.1" 4.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Walton 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 needs ~1,009 GDD — county provides 5,227 GDD Excellent fit

Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Walton County, FL

Pac Choi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 14
Harvest April 25 Apr 25 – May 23
Fall Sowing September 20 Sep 20 – Oct 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

246 days in Walton County

Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Walton County

Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 14 in Walton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Walton 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 246.0-day season in Walton 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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Walton County, FL?

Walton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walton County, FL?

Walton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Pac Choi in Walton County, FL?

In Walton County, FL, plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Walton County, FL for Pac Choi?

Walton County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pac Choi grow in Walton County's climate?

Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Walton County's temperate climate. Walton County averages a 246-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 15.

🌱

Your Walton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Walton 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Walton County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.