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When to Plant Komatsuna in Camden 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.

Camden County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.

At an elevation of 194 feet, Camden County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Komatsuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Komatsuna will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Komatsuna root diseases.

Camden County, GA (Zone 9a) Year-round
295 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
295 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Camden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (228 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Feb 3 🍅 Harvest: Mar 10 – Apr 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (225 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Mar 21 – Apr 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (218 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 21

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.

Soil Compatibility in Camden County

How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.1โ€“6.1) is more acidic than Komatsuna prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Camden County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Komatsuna will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Komatsuna.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Komatsuna.

How to Plant Komatsuna

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Komatsuna

10
successive plantings in your 295-day season

Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 17 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 โ€” 4.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 4.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Febโ€“Dec in Camden County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Komatsuna Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Komatsuna needs ~1,126 GDD — county provides 7,844 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Camden County, GA

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Direct Sow January 24 Jan 24 โ€“ Feb 14
Harvest March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 25
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 โ€“ Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

295 days in Camden County

Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Camden County

Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after February 14 in Camden County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Camden County dries quickly โ€” mulch Komatsuna with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 102ยฐF in Camden County, provide afternoon shade for Komatsuna and water deeply in the morning.

Your generous 296.0-day season in Camden County allows multiple plantings of Komatsuna. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.

Common pests for Komatsuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Camden County, GA?

Camden County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camden County, GA?

Camden County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Camden County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Camden County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.