When to Plant Komatsuna in Tangipahoa Parish, LA
May in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana — your action list
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana.
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Harvest komatsuna as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) is a versatile Asian green with glossy, dark leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and heat-tolerant.
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 264 days.
At an elevation of 111 feet, Tangipahoa Parish receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Komatsuna during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Komatsuna will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Komatsuna root diseases.
Tangipahoa Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6
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 Tangipahoa Parish
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Komatsuna prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Tangipahoa Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Komatsuna will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Komatsuna.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Komatsuna.
How to Plant Komatsuna
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Komatsuna
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 28.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Komatsuna
Komatsuna needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Komatsuna Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tangipahoa Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Komatsuna 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.
Komatsuna Planting Timeline — Tangipahoa Parish, LA
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – May 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
264 days in Tangipahoa Parish
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Tangipahoa Parish
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after March 04 in Tangipahoa Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Tangipahoa Parish dries quickly — mulch Komatsuna with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 264.0-day season in Tangipahoa Parish allows multiple plantings of Komatsuna. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Komatsuna 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. One of the most forgiving Asian greens for all seasons. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole plants. Excellent for stir-fries, soups, or salads.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Komatsuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Komatsuna in Tangipahoa Parish, LA?
Tangipahoa Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tangipahoa Parish, LA?
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Tangipahoa Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tangipahoa 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.