Blog

When to Plant Mustard Greens in Teton County, MT

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.

Teton County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost is September 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.

At an elevation of 8,276 feet, Teton County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mustard Greens successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Teton County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
114 days
Last Spring Frost May 25
114 growing days
First Fall Frost September 16

Teton 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 (14 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 30 Transplant: Jun 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 905 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Mustard Greens needs ~520 GDD — county provides 1,482 GDD Excellent fit

Mustard Greens Planting Timeline โ€” Teton County, MT

Mustard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Transplant Outdoors May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jun 8
Direct Sow May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 8
Fall Sowing June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 8
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 31

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 Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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 4a

Growing Season

114 days

Growing Tips for Teton 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 Teton County, MT?

Teton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 25. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Teton County, MT?

Teton County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 25 and first fall frost is September 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Teton County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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