PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Portland, Oregon

January 28 – February 11

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Portland year

Climate basis: NOAA station Portland Kgw-tv, OR (USC00356749), 1 mi (1 km) from downtown Portland (ZCTA 97204 centroid), elevation 159 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 (February 25). One year in ten still freezes after March 21.

Last spring freezeFebruary 251-in-10 after Mar 21
First fall freezeDecember 11-in-10 before Nov 10
Frost-free season≈ 280 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Jan 31 – Dec 20kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The Portland year

Direct-sow outdoorsJan 28 – Feb 11
Fall plantingOct 6 – Nov 3
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 21
Mustard greens in Portland · freeze context from Portland Kgw-tv, OR, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Jan 28 – Feb 11

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 (Feb 25). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Oct 6 – Nov 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 (Dec 1). 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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