When to Plant Tatsoi in Wrangell City and Borough, AK
Your May planting checklist for Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska
Here's what deserves your attention in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Start tatsoi under lights
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
-
Collect tatsoi at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: tatsoi
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,533 feet, Wrangell City and Borough receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 59°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tatsoi to ensure they mature before fall.
Wrangell City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Wrangell City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Tatsoi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wrangell City and Borough is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tatsoi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.1%) — Tatsoi will thrive.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wrangell City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi 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.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — Wrangell City and Borough, AK
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Wrangell City and Borough
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Wrangell City and Borough
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after April 23 in Wrangell City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 180.0-day season in Wrangell City and Borough allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi 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. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Wrangell City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wrangell City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.