Blog

When to plant Mizuna in Ocoee, FL

In Zone 10a (Ocoee), direct-sow Mizuna between January 13 and February 3 for spring, after the February 3 last-frost mark. A second sowing from October 26 to November 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Mizuna in Ocoee, FL

Orange County, Florida Zone 10a July

July in Orange County, Florida — your action list

Welcome to July in Zone 10a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost February 3
Avg. first frost December 21
Soil temp (4") 94°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
  1. Plan the fall garden

    Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.

  2. Keep heat-survivor crops productive

    Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.

  3. Watch for hurricane prep season

    August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Ocoee, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Mizuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.

Ocoee, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 3
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 21

Ocoee Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Mizuna Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (269 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 22 Transplant: Jan 19 🍅 Harvest: Feb 23 – Mar 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (258 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Feb 3 🍅 Harvest: Mar 10 – Apr 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (235 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: Apr 7 – May 5

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 Ocoee

How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Mizuna prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Orange County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mizuna will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Mizuna.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mizuna.

How to Plant Mizuna

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Mizuna

13
successive plantings in your 321-day season

Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Nov 06 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 26.

Mizuna Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,696 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange 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 needs ~909 GDD — county provides 7,808 GDD Excellent fit

Mizuna Planting Timeline — Ocoee, FL

Mizuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 6 Jan 6 – Jan 20
Transplant Outdoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Direct Sow January 13 Jan 13 – Feb 3
Harvest March 10 Mar 10 – Apr 7
Fall Sowing October 26 Oct 26 – Nov 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

321 days in Orange County

Growing Tips for Mizuna in Ocoee

Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after February 03 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Orange County dries quickly — 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 99°F in Orange County, provide afternoon shade for Mizuna and water deeply in the morning.

Your generous 322.0-day season in Orange 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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Mizuna in Ocoee, FL?

In Ocoee, FL, plant Mizuna after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ocoee, FL for Mizuna?

Ocoee sits in USDA Zone 10a. Mizuna grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mizuna grow in Ocoee's climate?

Yes — Mizuna grows well in Ocoee's temperate climate. Ocoee averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.

🌱

Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 10a). 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 Orange County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.