Blog

When to plant Mache in Alachua County County,

Alachua County County gardeners should plant Mache between February 2 and February 23 in spring. With Alachua County County's Zone 9a climate (last frost February 23), Mache needs 60 days to mature — plant by September 28 for a full harvest. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Mache in Alachua County, FL

Mache (corn salad) is a cold-hardy salad green with small, rounded, tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and even overwinters in many climates.

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Mache may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mache will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Alachua County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 23
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Alachua County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Mache

Mache needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Mache Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mache Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Direct Sow February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 23
Harvest April 6 Apr 6 – May 11
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Alachua County

Growing Tips for Alachua County

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvest. Seeds need light to germinate so press gently into soil surface. Harvest whole rosettes.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Mache in Alachua County County, ?

In Alachua County County, , plant Mache after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alachua County County, for Mache?

Alachua County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mache grow in Alachua County County's climate?

Yes — Mache grows well in Alachua County County's temperate climate. Alachua County County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Alachua County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.