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When to Plant Tatsoi in Jim Wells County, TX

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.

Jim Wells County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.

At an elevation of 4,949 feet, Jim Wells County receives approximately 65.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 101ยฐF, so Tatsoi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tatsoi root diseases.

Jim Wells County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
299 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
299 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Jim Wells County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (244 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 23 Transplant: Jan 20 🍅 Harvest: Feb 24 – Mar 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (229 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 13 🍅 Harvest: Mar 20 – Apr 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (217 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: Apr 12 – May 17

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 Jim Wells County

How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.3) is within Tatsoi's preferred range (6.0โ€“7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Jim Wells County is excellent for Tatsoi โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tatsoi.

How to Plant Tatsoi

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Tatsoi

10
successive plantings in your 299-day season

Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 20 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 14.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 270 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” 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 โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Febโ€“Dec in Jim Wells County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~1,094 GDD — county provides 7,725 GDD Excellent fit

Tatsoi Planting Timeline โ€” Jim Wells County, TX

Tatsoi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Direct Sow January 23 Jan 23 โ€“ Feb 13
Harvest March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 24
Fall Sowing October 14 Oct 14 โ€“ Oct 28

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

299 days in Jim Wells County

Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Jim Wells County

Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after February 13 in Jim Wells County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With summer highs reaching 101ยฐF in Jim Wells County, provide afternoon shade for Tatsoi and water deeply in the morning.

Your generous 300.0-day season in Jim Wells 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tatsoi in Jim Wells County, TX?

Jim Wells County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jim Wells County, TX?

Jim Wells County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jim Wells County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jim Wells County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.