PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Madison, Wisconsin

April 3 – April 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Madison year

Climate basis: NOAA station Uw Arboretum - Madison, WI (USC00470273), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Madison (ZCTA 53703 centroid), elevation 870 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 (May 1). One year in ten still freezes after May 17.

Last spring freezeMay 11-in-10 after May 17
First fall freezeOctober 91-in-10 before Sep 26
Frost-free season≈ 161 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 20 – Oct 20kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5b-15 to -10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Madison year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
Fall plantingAug 14 – Sep 11
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 17
Mustard greens in Madison · freeze context from Uw Arboretum - Madison, WI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 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 (May 1). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 14 – Sep 11

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 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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