When to Plant Komatsuna in Crow Wing County, MN
Your May game plan for Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Your Crow Wing County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Plant out komatsuna
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: komatsuna
- First harvests: komatsuna
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.
Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 783 feet, Crow Wing County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Komatsuna to ensure they mature before fall.
Crow Wing County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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 Crow Wing County
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Komatsuna's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crow Wing County is excellent for Komatsuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Komatsuna will thrive.
How to Plant Komatsuna
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Komatsuna
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 11.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Crow Wing County). 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 — Crow Wing County, MN
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Crow Wing County
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Crow Wing County
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after May 05 in Crow Wing County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 151.0-day season in Crow Wing County 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 Crow Wing County, MN?
Crow Wing County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crow Wing County, MN?
Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Crow Wing County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crow Wing County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.