PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Nashville, Tennessee

March 4 – March 18

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Nashville year

Climate basis: NOAA station Shelby Bottoms Nature, TN (USC00408238), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Nashville (ZCTA 37203 centroid), elevation 405 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 1). One year in ten still freezes after April 16.

Last spring freezeApril 11-in-10 after Apr 16
First fall freezeOctober 311-in-10 before Oct 18
Frost-free season≈ 213 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 20 – Nov 9kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Nashville year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 4 – Mar 18
Fall plantingSep 5 – Oct 3
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 16
Mustard greens in Nashville · freeze context from Shelby Bottoms Nature, TN, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 4 – Mar 18

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 1). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 5 – Oct 3

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 31). 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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