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When to Plant Mizuna in Tulare 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.

Tulare County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.

At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Mizuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mizuna successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Tulare County, CA (Zone 9a) Year-round
289 days
Last Spring Frost February 17
289 growing days
First Fall Frost December 3

Tulare County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (239 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 31 Transplant: Jan 28 🍅 Harvest: Mar 4 – Apr 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (226 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 20 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: Mar 24 – Apr 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (200 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 5

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
0.3″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,272 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Mizuna needs ~797 GDD — county provides 6,162 GDD Excellent fit

Mizuna Planting Timeline โ€” Tulare County, CA

Mizuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 20 Jan 20 โ€“ Feb 3
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Direct Sow January 27 Jan 27 โ€“ Feb 17
Fall Sowing October 8 Oct 8 โ€“ Oct 22
Harvest March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

30โ€“45 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

289 days

Growing Tips for Tulare County

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

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mizuna in Tulare County, CA?

Tulare County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tulare County, CA?

Tulare County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tulare County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Tulare County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.