PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Anchorage, Alaska

April 3 – April 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Anchorage year

Climate basis: NOAA station Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK (USW00026409), 0 mi (0 km) from downtown Anchorage (ZCTA 99501 centroid), elevation 138 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 (May 1). One year in ten still freezes after May 9.

Last spring freezeMay 11-in-10 after May 9
First fall freezeSeptember 291-in-10 before Sep 17
Frost-free season≈ 150 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 19 – Oct 8kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5a-20 to -15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Anchorage year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
Fall plantingAug 4 – Sep 1
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 9
Mustard greens in Anchorage · freeze context from Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 17

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 (May 1). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 4 – Sep 1

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Sep 29). 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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