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When to Plant Komatsuna in Ben Hill County, GA

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.

Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 261 feet, Ben Hill County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Komatsuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Ben Hill County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Ben Hill County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Komatsuna

Komatsuna needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Komatsuna Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ben Hill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Komatsuna Planting Timeline β€” Ben Hill County, GA

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 16
Harvest April 13 Apr 13 – May 18
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

35–50 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

251 days in Ben Hill County

Growing Tips for Ben Hill 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Komatsuna in Ben Hill County, GA?

Ben Hill County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ben Hill County, GA?

Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Ben Hill County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Ben Hill County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.