When to Plant Tatsoi in Rush County, IN
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.
Rush County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,033 feet, Rush County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season.
Rush County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Rush County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Tatsoi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rush County is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). 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 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rush 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 — Rush County, IN
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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 · 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
190 days in Rush County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Rush County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after April 14 in Rush County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 190.0-day season in Rush 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 Rush County, IN?
Rush County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rush County, IN?
Rush County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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