PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Louisville, Kentucky

March 3 – March 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Louisville year

Climate basis: NOAA station Louisville Mcalpine, KY (USC00154955), 3 mi (4 km) from downtown Louisville (ZCTA 40202 centroid), elevation 440 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 (March 31). One year in ten still freezes after April 14.

Last spring freezeMarch 311-in-10 after Apr 14
First fall freezeNovember 91-in-10 before Oct 31
Frost-free season≈ 225 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 18 – Nov 20kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Louisville year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 3 – Mar 17
Fall plantingSep 14 – Oct 12
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 14
Mustard greens in Louisville · freeze context from Louisville Mcalpine, KY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 3 – Mar 17

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 (Mar 31). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 14 – Oct 12

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 9). 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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