PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Grand Rapids, Michigan

April 8 – April 22

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Grand Rapids year

Climate basis: NOAA station E Grand Rapids, MI (USC00202375), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Grand Rapids (ZCTA 49503 centroid), elevation 746 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 6). One year in ten still freezes after May 23.

Last spring freezeMay 61-in-10 after May 23
First fall freezeOctober 101-in-10 before Sep 29
Frost-free season≈ 157 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 27 – Oct 23kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Grand Rapids year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 8 – Apr 22
Fall plantingAug 15 – Sep 12
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 23
Mustard greens in Grand Rapids · freeze context from E Grand Rapids, MI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 8 – Apr 22

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 6). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 15 – Sep 12

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 10). 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)

Keep exploring

This crop, other cities
Related crops in Grand Rapids
Local overview