PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Houston, Texas

January 5 – January 19

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Houston year

Climate basis: NOAA station Houston-port, TX (USC00414326), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Houston (ZCTA 77002 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 (February 2). One year in ten still freezes after March 5.

Last spring freezeFebruary 21-in-10 after Mar 5
First fall freezeDecember 251-in-10 before Nov 27
Frost-free season≈ 327 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Jan 23 – Jan 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Houston year

Direct-sow outdoorsJan 5 – Jan 19
Fall plantingOct 30 – Nov 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 5
Mustard greens in Houston · freeze context from Houston-port, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Jan 5 – Jan 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 (Feb 2). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Oct 30 – Nov 27

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Dec 25). 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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