When to Plant Komatsuna in USDA Zone 11a
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.
In Zone 11a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Komatsuna Planting Timeline — Zone 11a
Where Is USDA Zone 11a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11a. Click any state to see the Komatsuna planting schedule for that location.
Komatsuna Planting Calendar — Zone 11a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
| Harvest | February 5 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Free Zone 11a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
35–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
40°F to 45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 11a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 6 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 11a
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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Komatsuna Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Related Plants
Komatsuna in Other Zones
Komatsuna by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Komatsuna in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, plan your Komatsuna planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around December 11. Transplant seedlings around January 1.
Can Komatsuna grow in Zone 11a?
Yes, Komatsuna can grow well in Zone 11a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 11a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Komatsuna (35-50 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Komatsuna in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, expect to harvest Komatsuna from February 5 – March 12. Komatsuna takes 35-50 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Komatsuna?
Good companion plants for Komatsuna include Lettuce, Spinach, Radish. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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