PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Washington, District of Columbia

February 24 – March 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Washington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Washington Reagan AP, VA (USW00013743), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Washington (ZCTA 20004 centroid), elevation 10 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 6.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 6
First fall freezeNovember 181-in-10 before Nov 5
Frost-free season≈ 241 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 12 – Dec 3kills even hardy greens

The Washington year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 24 – Mar 10
Fall plantingSep 23 – Oct 21
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 6
Mustard greens in Washington · freeze context from Washington Reagan AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 24 – Mar 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 (Mar 24). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 23 – Oct 21

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 18). 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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