When to plant Tatsoi in Summit County, CO
In Zone 5a (Summit County), direct-sow Tatsoi between June 2 and June 23 for spring, after the June 16 last-frost mark. A second sowing from June 26 to July 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Tatsoi in Summit County, CO
July in the garden — Summit County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Summit County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Start tatsoi under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (June 16). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
-
Pick tatsoi
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tatsoi to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tatsoi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
Drainage
Well Drained
Tatsoi 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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.0) overlaps with Tatsoi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tatsoi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Tatsoi.
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 Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 26.
Tatsoi Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit County). 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 — Summit County, CO
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| 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
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Summit County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after June 16 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Tatsoi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Summit County receives only 18" of rain annually. Tatsoi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
When should I plant Tatsoi in Summit County, CO?
In Summit County, CO, plant Tatsoi after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Tatsoi?
Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Tatsoi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tatsoi grow in Summit County's climate?
Yes — Tatsoi grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.