PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Cleveland, Ohio

March 11 – March 25

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Cleveland year

Climate basis: NOAA station Cleveland Burke AP, OH (USW00004853), 2 mi (4 km) from downtown Cleveland (ZCTA 44113 centroid), elevation 584 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 8). One year in ten still freezes after April 20.

Last spring freezeApril 81-in-10 after Apr 20
First fall freezeNovember 121-in-10 before Nov 1
Frost-free season≈ 217 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 22kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Cleveland year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 11 – Mar 25
Fall plantingSep 17 – Oct 15
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 20
Mustard greens in Cleveland · freeze context from Cleveland Burke AP, OH, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 11 – Mar 25

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 8). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 17 – Oct 15

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 12). 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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