PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Indianapolis, Indiana

March 23 – April 6

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Indianapolis year

Climate basis: NOAA station Indianapolis Se Side, IN (USC00124272), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Indianapolis (ZCTA 46204 centroid), elevation 845 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 20). One year in ten still freezes after May 5.

Last spring freezeApril 201-in-10 after May 5
First fall freezeOctober 211-in-10 before Oct 7
Frost-free season≈ 183 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 7 – Nov 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Indianapolis year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 23 – Apr 6
Fall plantingAug 26 – Sep 23
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 5
Mustard greens in Indianapolis · freeze context from Indianapolis Se Side, IN, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 23 – Apr 6

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 20). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 26 – Sep 23

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 21). 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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