Blog

When to Plant Komatsuna in White Pine County, NV

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.

White Pine County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 92 days.

At an elevation of 6,766 feet, White Pine County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Komatsuna during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Komatsuna will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Komatsuna successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

White Pine County, NV (Zone 5b) Very short season
92 days
Last Spring Frost June 12
92 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

White Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 3 Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 8 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Aug 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 17 Transplant: Jun 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 30

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 White Pine County

How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“8.3) overlaps with Komatsuna's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in White Pine County 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 low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Komatsuna.

How to Plant Komatsuna

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Komatsuna

3
successive plantings in your 92-day season

Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 04.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 604 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 0.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in White Pine County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~776 GDD — county provides 1,679 GDD Excellent fit

Komatsuna Planting Timeline โ€” White Pine County, NV

Komatsuna Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Transplant Outdoors June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jun 26
Direct Sow May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jun 19
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Aug 21
Fall Sowing July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Jul 18

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

92 days in White Pine County

Growing Tips for Komatsuna in White Pine County

Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after June 12 in White Pine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in White Pine County dries quickly โ€” mulch Komatsuna with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

Common pests for Komatsuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

White Pine County receives only 15" of rain annually. Komatsuna needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Komatsuna in White Pine County, NV?

White Pine County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is White Pine County, NV?

White Pine County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help White Pine County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for White Pine County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.