PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Des Moines, Iowa

March 21 – April 4

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Des Moines year

Climate basis: NOAA station Des Moines INTL AP, IA (USW00014933), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Des Moines (ZCTA 50309 centroid), elevation 957 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 18). One year in ten still freezes after May 2.

Last spring freezeApril 181-in-10 after May 2
First fall freezeOctober 201-in-10 before Oct 4
Frost-free season≈ 184 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 8 – Oct 30kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5b-15 to -10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Des Moines year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 21 – Apr 4
Fall plantingAug 25 – Sep 22
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 2
Mustard greens in Des Moines · freeze context from Des Moines INTL AP, IA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 21 – Apr 4

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 18). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 25 – Sep 22

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 20). 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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