When to Plant Mizuna in Motley County, TX
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.
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 3,983 feet, Motley County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101ยฐF, so Mizuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ great for early planting โ but Mizuna will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mizuna root diseases.
Motley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
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 Motley County
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8โ8.4) is more alkaline than Mizuna prefers (6.0โ7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Motley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mizuna will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mizuna.
How to Plant Mizuna
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mizuna
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 โ 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 | โ | 4.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.9" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | โ | 3.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 13.4" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Dec | โ | 4.6" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (AprโNov in Motley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 โ Motley County, TX
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 โ Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 โ Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 โ Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 โ Jun 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 โ Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | โ |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | โ |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
๐ง Water
1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
30โ45 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
๐ Growing Season
209 days in Motley County
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Motley County
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after April 07 in Motley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Motley County dries quickly โ mulch Mizuna with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101ยฐF in Motley County, provide afternoon shade for Mizuna and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 209.0-day season in Motley 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.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mizuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mizuna in Motley County, TX?
Motley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Motley County, TX?
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
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