PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Birmingham, Alabama

February 21 – March 7

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Birmingham year

Climate basis: NOAA station Birmingham AP, AL (USW00013876), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Birmingham (ZCTA 35203 centroid), elevation 615 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 21). One year in ten still freezes after April 8.

Last spring freezeMarch 211-in-10 after Apr 8
First fall freezeNovember 111-in-10 before Oct 30
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Birmingham year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7
Fall plantingSep 16 – Oct 14
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 8
Mustard greens in Birmingham · freeze context from Birmingham AP, AL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 21 – Mar 7

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 21). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 16 – Oct 14

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 11). 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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