When to Plant Pac Choi in Bucks County, PA
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Bucks County, Pennsylvania gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Begin indoor sowing: pac choi
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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Bring in the pac choi
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 958 feet, Bucks County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Bucks County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Bucks County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bucks County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). 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 Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bucks 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 Planting Timeline — Bucks County, PA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 27 |
| 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 |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Bucks County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Bucks County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 18 in Bucks County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 190.0-day season in Bucks 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Bucks County, PA?
Bucks County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bucks County, PA?
Bucks County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Bucks County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bucks County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.