When to Plant Bok Choy in Boone County, MO
What to do in May
Your Boone County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for bok choy
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
-
It's harvest week for bok choy
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: bok choy
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.
Boone County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 727 feet, Boone County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Boone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Boone County
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Bok Choy's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Boone County is excellent for Bok Choy — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Bok Choy.
How to Plant Bok Choy
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Boone 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 — Boone County, MO
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Boone County
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Boone County
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after April 10 in Boone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 198.0-day season in Boone 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Boone County, MO?
Boone County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boone County, MO?
Boone County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Boone County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.