When to Plant Tatsoi in Spotsylvania County, VA
May to-do list for Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Sow tatsoi in trays indoors
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Pick tatsoi
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Spotsylvania County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 995 feet, Spotsylvania County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season.
Spotsylvania County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Spotsylvania County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Tatsoi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Spotsylvania County is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Spotsylvania 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 — Spotsylvania County, VA
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Spotsylvania County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Spotsylvania County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after April 16 in Spotsylvania County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 191.0-day season in Spotsylvania 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 Spotsylvania County, VA?
Spotsylvania County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Spotsylvania County, VA?
Spotsylvania County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Spotsylvania County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Spotsylvania County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.