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When to Plant Mache in Mariposa County, CA

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.

Mariposa County, California is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 192 feet, Mariposa County receives approximately 19.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Mache during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Mariposa County, CA (Zone 7b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Mariposa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 3

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,328 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Mache needs ~912 GDD — county provides 3,741 GDD Excellent fit

Mache Planting Timeline โ€” Mariposa County, CA

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 โ€“ Sep 14
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

205 days

Growing Tips for Mariposa 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Mariposa County, CA?

Mariposa County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mariposa County, CA?

Mariposa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is November 9.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Mariposa County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mariposa County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.