When to Plant Komatsuna in Robeson County, NC
What to do in May
Each item below is timed to Robeson County, North Carolina's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: komatsuna
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Robeson County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 887 feet, Robeson County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Komatsuna may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Komatsuna, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Robeson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 Robeson County
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Komatsuna prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Robeson County is excellent for Komatsuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Robeson 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 — Robeson County, NC
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jun 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Robeson County
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Robeson County
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after March 24 in Robeson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Robeson County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Komatsuna. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Robeson County, provide afternoon shade for Komatsuna and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 227.0-day season in Robeson 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 Robeson County, NC?
Robeson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Robeson County, NC?
Robeson County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Robeson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Robeson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.