When to Plant Tatsoi in Lubbock County, TX
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Start tatsoi indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
-
It's harvest week for tatsoi
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: tatsoi
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
Lubbock County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 4,439 feet, Lubbock County receives approximately 45.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Tatsoi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tatsoi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Lubbock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.5-8.8
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 Lubbock County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.5–8.8) is more alkaline than Tatsoi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lubbock County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tatsoi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tatsoi.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Lubbock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi 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.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — Lubbock County, TX
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Lubbock County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Lubbock County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after April 03 in Lubbock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lubbock County dries quickly — mulch Tatsoi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Lubbock County, provide afternoon shade for Tatsoi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 215.0-day season in Lubbock County allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi 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. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Lubbock County, TX?
Lubbock County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lubbock County, TX?
Lubbock County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Lubbock County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lubbock 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.