PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Detroit, Michigan

March 24 – April 7

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Detroit year

Climate basis: NOAA station Detroit City AP, MI (USW00014822), 6 mi (9 km) from downtown Detroit (ZCTA 48226 centroid), elevation 626 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 21). One year in ten still freezes after May 6.

Last spring freezeApril 211-in-10 after May 6
First fall freezeOctober 311-in-10 before Oct 17
Frost-free season≈ 190 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 8 – Nov 9kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Detroit year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 24 – Apr 7
Fall plantingSep 5 – Oct 3
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 6
Mustard greens in Detroit · freeze context from Detroit City AP, MI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 24 – Apr 7

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 21). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 5 – Oct 3

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 31). 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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