Why these dates work in zone 9a
Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 frost-free days. Bok Choy tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Oct 5 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does bok choy take to grow in zone 9a?
Bok Choy matures in about 45–60 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Feb 7 and first picking around Mar 24.
Will bok choy survive frost in zone 9a?
Yes — bok choy tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).
Can I plant a second crop of bok choy in zone 9a?
Yes — in zone 9a there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 5 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full bok choy growing guide →
