When to Plant Komatsuna in Burlington County, NJ
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Burlington County, New Jersey this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Get komatsuna seeds going inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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Basket week: komatsuna
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Burlington County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Burlington County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Komatsuna during the growing season.
Burlington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Burlington County
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) is more acidic than Komatsuna prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Burlington County is excellent for Komatsuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Komatsuna.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Komatsuna.
How to Plant Komatsuna
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Komatsuna
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Burlington 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 — Burlington County, NJ
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Burlington County
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Burlington County
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after April 09 in Burlington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 207.0-day season in Burlington 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 Burlington County, NJ?
Burlington County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burlington County, NJ?
Burlington County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Burlington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Burlington County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.