PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Charlotte, North Carolina

March 2 – March 16

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Charlotte year

Climate basis: NOAA station Charlotte Douglas AP, NC (USW00013881), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Charlotte (ZCTA 28202 centroid), elevation 728 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 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 14.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 14
First fall freezeNovember 31-in-10 before Oct 22
Frost-free season≈ 221 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 17 – Nov 14kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Charlotte year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 2 – Mar 16
Fall plantingSep 8 – Oct 6
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 14
Mustard greens in Charlotte · freeze context from Charlotte Douglas AP, NC, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 2 – Mar 16

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 30). 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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