When to Plant Mustard Greens in Ouray County, CO
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.
Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.
At an elevation of 7,449 feet, Ouray County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Mustard Greens during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mustard Greens successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ouray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
84 days
Growing Tips for Ouray 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
Level Up Your Garden
Mustard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mustard Greens in Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ouray County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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