When to Plant Komatsuna in Cache County, UT
Your May gardening checklist
Welcome to May in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Sow komatsuna where they'll grow
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: komatsuna
- Fall sowing: 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.
Cache County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,265 feet, Cache County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Komatsuna to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Komatsuna successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Cache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.4
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 Cache County
How your county's soil matches Komatsuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.4) overlaps with Komatsuna's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cache County is excellent for Komatsuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Cache 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 — Cache County, UT
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Cache County
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Cache County
Direct sow Komatsuna outdoors after June 11 in Cache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Komatsuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Cache County receives only 16" of rain annually. Komatsuna needs consistent moisture — 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Komatsuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Komatsuna in Cache County, UT?
Cache County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 11. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cache County, UT?
Cache County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and first fall frost is September 2.
Your Cache County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cache County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.