PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Colorado Springs, Colorado

April 5 – April 19

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Colorado Springs year

Climate basis: NOAA station Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO (USW00093037), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Colorado Springs (ZCTA 80903 centroid), elevation 6181 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 (May 3). One year in ten still freezes after May 15.

Last spring freezeMay 31-in-10 after May 15
First fall freezeOctober 81-in-10 before Sep 26
Frost-free season≈ 158 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 24 – Oct 16kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Colorado Springs year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 5 – Apr 19
Fall plantingAug 13 – Sep 10
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 15
Mustard greens in Colorado Springs · freeze context from Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 5 – Apr 19

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 (May 3). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 13 – Sep 10

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 8). 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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