When to Plant Mizuna in Archuleta County, CO
Your May planting checklist for Archuleta County, Colorado
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Direct-sow mizuna
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: mizuna
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.
Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.
At an elevation of 5,346 feet, Archuleta County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Mizuna during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mizuna successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Archuleta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Archuleta County
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) overlaps with Mizuna's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Archuleta County is excellent for Mizuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Archuleta 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 — Archuleta County, CO
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
30–45 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
96 days in Archuleta County
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Archuleta County
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after June 13 in Archuleta County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Mizuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Archuleta County receives only 14" 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 Archuleta County, CO?
Archuleta County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Archuleta County, CO?
Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 17.
Your Archuleta County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Archuleta County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.