PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Albuquerque, New Mexico

March 9 – March 23

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Albuquerque year

Climate basis: NOAA station Albuquerque INTL AP, NM (USW00023050), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Albuquerque (ZCTA 87102 centroid), elevation 5310 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow mustard greens from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 6). One year in ten still freezes after April 23.

Last spring freezeApril 61-in-10 after Apr 23
First fall freezeNovember 31-in-10 before Oct 21
Frost-free season≈ 208 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 17 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Albuquerque year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 9 – Mar 23
Fall plantingSep 8 – Oct 6
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 23
Mustard greens in Albuquerque · freeze context from Albuquerque INTL AP, NM, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 9 – Mar 23

Purdue lists mustard under both hardy (4–6 weeks before the last frost) and semi-hardy (2–4 weeks before); the later semi-hardy start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 6). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 8 – Oct 6

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 3). Purdue University Extension

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (1)

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