PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Hartford, Connecticut

March 20 – April 3

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Hartford year

Climate basis: NOAA station Hartford Brainard Fld, CT (USW00014752), 2 mi (4 km) from downtown Hartford (ZCTA 06103 centroid), elevation 19 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 17). One year in ten still freezes after May 1.

Last spring freezeApril 171-in-10 after May 1
First fall freezeOctober 261-in-10 before Oct 12
Frost-free season≈ 191 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 3 – Nov 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Hartford year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 20 – Apr 3
Fall plantingAug 31 – Sep 28
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 1
Mustard greens in Hartford · freeze context from Hartford Brainard Fld, CT, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 20 – Apr 3

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 17). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 31 – Sep 28

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 26). 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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