PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Chicago, Illinois

March 13 – March 27

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Chicago year

Climate basis: NOAA station Chicago Northerly Is, IL (USC00111550), 2 mi (3 km) from downtown Chicago (ZCTA 60602 centroid), elevation 583 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 10). One year in ten still freezes after April 25.

Last spring freezeApril 101-in-10 after Apr 25
First fall freezeNovember 51-in-10 before Oct 24
Frost-free season≈ 208 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Chicago year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 13 – Mar 27
Fall plantingSep 10 – Oct 8
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 25
Mustard greens in Chicago · freeze context from Chicago Northerly Is, IL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 13 – Mar 27

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 10). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 10 – Oct 8

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 5). 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

This crop, other cities
Related crops in Chicago
Local overview