PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Raleigh, North Carolina

February 28 – March 14

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Raleigh year

Climate basis: NOAA station Raleigh State Univ, NC (USC00317079), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Raleigh (ZCTA 27601 centroid), elevation 400 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 28). One year in ten still freezes after April 12.

Last spring freezeMarch 281-in-10 after Apr 12
First fall freezeNovember 81-in-10 before Oct 28
Frost-free season≈ 229 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 14 – Nov 23kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Raleigh year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14
Fall plantingSep 13 – Oct 11
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 12
Mustard greens in Raleigh · freeze context from Raleigh State Univ, NC, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 28 – Mar 14

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 28). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 13 – Oct 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 (Nov 8). 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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