When to Plant Tatsoi in Santa Clara County, CA
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.
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, Santa Clara County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tatsoi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Santa Clara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — Santa Clara County, CA
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 19 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
35–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
287 days
Growing Tips for Santa Clara County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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