Blog

When to Plant Komatsuna in Barbour 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.

Barbour County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Barbour County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Barbour County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Barbour County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (180 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 9 – May 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (180 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – May 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (178 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jun 5

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 ~871 GDD — county provides 5,125 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Barbour County, AL

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 โ€“ Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 24
Direct Sow February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 17
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 โ€“ Sep 20
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ May 19

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

250 days

Growing Tips for Barbour 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 Barbour County, AL?

Barbour County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barbour County, AL?

Barbour County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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