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When to Plant Komatsuna in Autauga County, AL

Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) is a versatile Asian green with glossy, dark leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and heat-tolerant.

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 80 feet, Autauga County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Komatsuna during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Komatsuna, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Komatsuna root diseases.

Autauga County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Autauga County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (174 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 11 – May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (175 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 18 – May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (171 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 12

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Komatsuna needs ~776 GDD — county provides 4,471 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Autauga County, AL

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 21
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 โ€“ Sep 19
Harvest April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

245 days

Growing Tips for Autauga County

Direct sow in spring or fall. One of the most forgiving Asian greens for all seasons. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole plants. Excellent for stir-fries, soups, or salads.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Komatsuna in Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Autauga County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Autauga County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.