When to Plant Bok Choy in St. Bernard Parish, LA
May in the garden — St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 St. Bernard Parish
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Bok Choy prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Bok Choy will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Bok Choy.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Oct 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.
Plant 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Bernard Parish). 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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 5 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Direct Sow | January 12 | Jan 12 – Feb 2 |
| Harvest | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
312 days in St. Bernard Parish
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in St. Bernard Parish
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after February 02 in St. Bernard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish 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 104°F in St. Bernard Parish, provide afternoon shade for Bok Choy and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 313.0-day season in St. Bernard Parish 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
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Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your St. Bernard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Bernard Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.