PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Memphis, Tennessee

February 19 – March 5

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Memphis year

Climate basis: NOAA station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Memphis (ZCTA 38103 centroid), elevation 215 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 19). One year in ten still freezes after April 7.

Last spring freezeMarch 191-in-10 after Apr 7
First fall freezeNovember 101-in-10 before Oct 28
Frost-free season≈ 235 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 22kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Memphis year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 19 – Mar 5
Fall plantingSep 15 – Oct 13
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 7
Mustard greens in Memphis · freeze context from W Memphis, AR, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 19 – Mar 5

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 19). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 15 – Oct 13

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 10). 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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