PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Rochester, New York

March 27 – April 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Rochester year

Climate basis: NOAA station Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY (USW00014768), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Rochester (ZCTA 14604 centroid), elevation 533 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 8.

Last spring freezeApril 241-in-10 after May 8
First fall freezeOctober 251-in-10 before Oct 8
Frost-free season≈ 181 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 14 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Rochester year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 10
Fall plantingAug 30 – Sep 27
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 8
Mustard greens in Rochester · freeze context from Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY, 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

Aug 30 – Sep 27

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 25). 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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