When to Plant Pac Choi in Catahoula Parish, LA
Your April game plan for Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
A quick April briefing for Catahoula Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Time to start pac choi inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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It's harvest week for pac choi
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this April that'll pay off in May
- 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.
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 73 feet, Catahoula Parish receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pac Choi root diseases.
Catahoula Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 Catahoula Parish
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Pac Choi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Catahoula Parish is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Catahoula Parish). 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 — Catahoula Parish, LA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Catahoula Parish
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Catahoula Parish
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 05 in Catahoula Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Catahoula Parish 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Catahoula Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Catahoula Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.