When to Plant Mizuna in Catahoula Parish, LA
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest mizuna as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 73 feet, Catahoula Parish receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Mizuna during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mizuna root diseases.
Catahoula Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 Catahoula Parish
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Mizuna's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Catahoula Parish 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 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mizuna
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 21.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Catahoula Parish). 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 — Catahoula Parish, LA
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–45 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Catahoula Parish
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Catahoula Parish
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after March 05 in Catahoula Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Catahoula Parish 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mizuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mizuna in Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Catahoula Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Catahoula Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.