PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

March 27 – April 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Pittsburgh year

Climate basis: NOAA station Emsworth L/d Ohio Rvr, PA (USC00362574), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Pittsburgh (ZCTA 15222 centroid), elevation 717 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after May 11.

Last spring freezeApril 241-in-10 after May 11
First fall freezeOctober 271-in-10 before Oct 13
Frost-free season≈ 186 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 12 – Nov 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Pittsburgh year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 10
Fall plantingSep 1 – Sep 29
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 11
Mustard greens in Pittsburgh · freeze context from Emsworth L/d Ohio Rvr, PA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 27 – Apr 10

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 24). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 1 – Sep 29

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 27). 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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