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When to Plant Mustard Greens in Plumas County, CA

Mustard greens are fast-growing brassicas with a spicy, peppery kick. They come in green, red, and purple varieties and are excellent cooked or in salads.

Plumas County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.

At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Plumas County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.

Plumas County, CA (Zone 6b) Short season
141 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
141 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Plumas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 15 Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 4 Transplant: Jun 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 14

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 120 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Mustard Greens needs ~460 GDD — county provides 1,621 GDD Excellent fit

Mustard Greens Planting Timeline โ€” Plumas County, CA

Mustard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ Apr 29
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Aug 13
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

30โ€“50 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

141 days

Growing Tips for Plumas County

Direct sow in early spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. Plants bolt quickly in heat so grow as a cool-season crop or provide shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mustard Greens in Plumas County, CA?

Plumas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Plumas County, CA?

Plumas County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Plumas County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Plumas County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.