PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Cincinnati, Ohio

March 19 – April 2

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Cincinnati year

Climate basis: NOAA station Cincinnati Lunken AP, OH (USW00093812), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Cincinnati (ZCTA 45202 centroid), elevation 490 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 16). One year in ten still freezes after May 3.

Last spring freezeApril 161-in-10 after May 3
First fall freezeOctober 251-in-10 before Oct 12
Frost-free season≈ 190 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 2 – Nov 4kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Cincinnati year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 19 – Apr 2
Fall plantingAug 30 – Sep 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 3
Mustard greens in Cincinnati · freeze context from Cincinnati Lunken AP, OH, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

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 16). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 30 – Sep 27

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 25). 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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