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When to Plant Komatsuna in Morgan County, UT

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.

Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is August 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 75 days.

At an elevation of 6,439 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Komatsuna to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Komatsuna successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Morgan County, UT (Zone 5b) Very short season
75 days
Last Spring Frost June 17
75 growing days
First Fall Frost August 31

Morgan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 6 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 13 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 20 Transplant: Jun 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 2

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 Morgan County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“8.1) overlaps with Komatsuna's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Komatsuna โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Komatsuna.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Komatsuna.

How to Plant Komatsuna

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

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Komatsuna

2
successive plantings in your 75-day season

Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 22.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 395 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Oct โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Aug in Morgan 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 ~552 GDD — county provides 975 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” Morgan County, UT

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 1
Direct Sow June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Aug 26
Fall Sowing June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Jul 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

75 days in Morgan County

Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Morgan County

Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after June 17 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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

Morgan County receives only 14" of rain annually. Komatsuna needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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 Morgan County, UT?

Morgan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morgan County, UT?

Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Morgan County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Morgan County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.