When to Plant Komatsuna in Wilkinson County, MS
May in the garden — Wilkinson County, Mississippi
Each item below is timed to Wilkinson County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Collect komatsuna at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.
At an elevation of 379 feet, Wilkinson County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Komatsuna during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Komatsuna, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Komatsuna root diseases.
Wilkinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Wilkinson County
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Komatsuna prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Wilkinson County is excellent for Komatsuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilkinson 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 — Wilkinson County, MS
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – May 12 |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
265 days in Wilkinson County
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Wilkinson County
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after March 03 in Wilkinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Wilkinson County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Komatsuna. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 265.0-day season in Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson County, MS?
Wilkinson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilkinson County, MS?
Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Wilkinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wilkinson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.