When to plant Salsify in Comptche, CA
Plant Salsify in Comptche, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 2. Continue planting through March 23 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 14 to September 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Salsify in Comptche, CA
Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.
Comptche, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Mendocino County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Salsify during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Salsify will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Comptche Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Salsify
Salsify needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Salsify Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mendocino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Salsify Planting Timeline — Comptche, CA
Salsify Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
100–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Mendocino County
Growing Tips for Comptche
Direct sow in spring in deeply worked, stone-free soil. Use fresh seed only as viability drops quickly. Harvest in late fall after frost for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Salsify in Other Locations
When should I plant Salsify in Comptche, CA?
In Comptche, CA, plant Salsify after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Comptche, CA for Salsify?
Comptche sits in USDA Zone 9b. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Salsify grow in Comptche's climate?
Yes — Salsify grows well in Comptche's temperate climate. Comptche averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 9.
Your Mendocino County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mendocino County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.