PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Knoxville, Tennessee

March 14 – March 28

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Knoxville year

Climate basis: NOAA station Knoxville Exp Stn, TN (USC00404946), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Knoxville (ZCTA 37902 centroid), elevation 830 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 11). One year in ten still freezes after April 29.

Last spring freezeApril 111-in-10 after Apr 29
First fall freezeOctober 281-in-10 before Oct 13
Frost-free season≈ 198 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 31 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Knoxville year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 14 – Mar 28
Fall plantingSep 2 – Sep 30
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 29
Mustard greens in Knoxville · freeze context from Knoxville Exp Stn, TN, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 14 – Mar 28

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 11). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 2 – Sep 30

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 28). 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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