PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Lexington, Kentucky

March 16 – March 30

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Lexington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Lexington Bluegrass AP, KY (USW00093820), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Lexington (ZCTA 40507 centroid), elevation 980 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 13). One year in ten still freezes after May 1.

Last spring freezeApril 131-in-10 after May 1
First fall freezeOctober 281-in-10 before Oct 16
Frost-free season≈ 196 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 31 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Lexington year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 16 – Mar 30
Fall plantingSep 2 – Sep 30
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 1
Mustard greens in Lexington · freeze context from Lexington Bluegrass AP, KY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 16 – Mar 30

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 13). 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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