When to Plant Mustard Greens in Onondaga County, NY
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.
Onondaga County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 731 feet, Onondaga County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Onondaga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.8
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
Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Onondaga County, NY
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
159 days
Growing Tips for Onondaga 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 Onondaga County, NY?
Onondaga County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Onondaga County, NY?
Onondaga County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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