When to Plant Mizuna in Sutter County, CA
Mizuna is a mild-flavored Japanese mustard green with feathery, deeply serrated leaves. It is fast-growing and makes an excellent addition to salads and stir-fries.
Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mizuna during the growing season.
Sutter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Sutter County
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Mizuna's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sutter County is excellent for Mizuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mizuna.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Mizuna.
How to Plant Mizuna
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mizuna
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mizuna
Mizuna needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mizuna Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mizuna 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" — every day above 50°F 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.
Mizuna Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
30–45 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Sutter County
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Sutter County
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after March 04 in Sutter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 267.0-day season in Sutter County allows multiple plantings of Mizuna. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Mizuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Sutter County receives only 21" of rain annually. Mizuna needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest outer leaves as needed for a cut-and-come-again approach. Mizuna is one of the most cold-tolerant Asian greens.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mizuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mizuna in Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sutter County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.