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When to Plant Komatsuna in Marengo 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.

Marengo County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 453 feet, Marengo County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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.

Marengo County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Marengo County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Apr 10 – May 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (175 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: Apr 17 – May 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (173 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 9

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 ~744 GDD — county provides 4,287 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Marengo County, AL

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Direct Sow February 27 Feb 27 โ€“ Mar 20
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 22

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 Marengo 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 Marengo County, AL?

Marengo County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marengo County, AL?

Marengo County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Marengo 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 Marengo County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.