When to Plant Pac Choi in Skagit County, WA
This month in Skagit County, Washington
A quick May briefing for Skagit County, Washington gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Indoor seed-starting week for pac choi
These need a head start before your last frost (April 3). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Basket week: pac choi
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Skagit County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 232 feet, Skagit County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Skagit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Skagit County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Skagit County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Pac Choi will thrive.
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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
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 | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0.7" | 5.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0.7" | 5.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Skagit 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 — Skagit County, WA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Skagit County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Skagit County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 03 in Skagit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 208.0-day season in Skagit 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 Skagit County, WA?
Skagit County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Skagit County, WA?
Skagit County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Skagit County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Skagit County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.