When to Plant Mizuna in Cottonwood County, MN
This month in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
April is a pivotal month for Cottonwood County, Minnesota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Move mizuna into the garden
Your last frost (April 29) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Direct-sow mizuna
Your soil is 42°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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.
Cottonwood County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,066 feet, Cottonwood County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mizuna to ensure they mature before fall.
Cottonwood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 Cottonwood County
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Mizuna's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cottonwood County is excellent for Mizuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Mizuna will thrive.
How to Plant Mizuna
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mizuna
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 16.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cottonwood 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 Planting Timeline — Cottonwood County, MN
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Cottonwood County
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Cottonwood County
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after April 29 in Cottonwood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 162.0-day season in Cottonwood 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mizuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mizuna in Cottonwood County, MN?
Cottonwood County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cottonwood County, MN?
Cottonwood County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Cottonwood County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cottonwood County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.