When to plant mustard greens in Baltimore, Maryland

February 24 – March 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Baltimore year

Climate basis: NOAA station Md Sci Ctr Baltimore, MD (USW00093784), 1 mi (2 km) from downtown Baltimore (ZCTA 21202 centroid), elevation 20 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 (March 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 4.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 4
First fall freezeNovember 211-in-10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season244 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 11Dec 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low not frost timing

The Baltimore year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 24 – Mar 10
Fall plantingSep 26 – Oct 24
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 4
Mustard greens in Baltimore · freeze context from Md Sci Ctr Baltimore, MD, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 24 – Mar 10

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 (Mar 24). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 26 – Oct 24

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 21). 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)

Keep exploring