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When to Plant Komatsuna in Winston 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.

Winston County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 281 feet, Winston County receives approximately 51.8 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.

Winston County, AL (Zone 7a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Winston 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 (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – May 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jun 28

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 4,469 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Winston County, AL

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Apr 6
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 โ€“ Sep 8
Harvest May 4 May 4 โ€“ Jun 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
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 7a

Growing Season

218 days

Growing Tips for Winston 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 Winston County, AL?

Winston County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Winston County, AL?

Winston County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Winston County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Winston County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.