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When to Plant Bok Choy in Macedonia, Iowa (51549)

Location

Macedonia, Iowa

ZIP Code

51549

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Sow Bok Choy directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Days to Maturity 45 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 12"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular (consistent moisture)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 4-7 days

Ready to Plant Bok Choy in Macedonia?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeetCeleryDillOnion

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

StrawberryTomato
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Bok Choy

See which plants help Bok Choy thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to bolt and seed pods to dry on the stalk before harvesting.

Processing

Thresh dried stalks, winnow to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Brassica rapa — crosses with turnip, napa cabbage, and Chinese cabbage. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Bok Choy. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bok Choy in Macedonia, Iowa? +

In Macedonia (Zone 5b), direct sow Bok Choy outdoors around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Macedonia, Iowa? +

The average last spring frost date for Macedonia, Iowa (ZIP 51549) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Bok Choy take to grow? +

Bok Choy typically matures in about 45 days from direct sowing. In Macedonia, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 28, 2026 plus 45 days.

Should I start Bok Choy indoors or direct sow in Iowa? +

Bok Choy does best when direct sown outdoors. In Macedonia, sow directly around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Other Plants for Macedonia

Growing Bok Choy in Zone 5b

Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Macedonia, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Bok Choy grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.