PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Richmond, Virginia

March 6 – March 20

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Richmond year

Climate basis: NOAA station Richmond INTL AP, VA (USW00013740), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Richmond (ZCTA 23219 centroid), elevation 164 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 3). One year in ten still freezes after April 18.

Last spring freezeApril 31-in-10 after Apr 18
First fall freezeNovember 41-in-10 before Oct 23
Frost-free season≈ 215 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 22 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Richmond year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 6 – Mar 20
Fall plantingSep 9 – Oct 7
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 18
Mustard greens in Richmond · freeze context from Richmond INTL AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 6 – Mar 20

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 3). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 9 – Oct 7

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 4). 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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