When to Plant Mache in Pinal County, AZ
Mache (corn salad) is a cold-hardy salad green with small, rounded, tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and even overwinters in many climates.
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,959 feet, Pinal County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Mache may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mache will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pinal County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Mache Planting Timeline — Pinal County, AZ
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 23 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – May 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
277 days
Growing Tips for Pinal County
Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvest. Seeds need light to germinate so press gently into soil surface. Harvest whole rosettes.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Mache in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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