Arkansas’s spring rains make raised beds a smart choice for mustard green timing. Knowing the best time to plant mustard greens in arkansas is key to a big harvest. These leafy greens love cool weather, so getting the timing right helps you avoid bitter leaves and bolting.
Mustard greens grow fast. You can have fresh greens in just 30 to 40 days. But if you plant them too late in spring, the heat will make them taste sharp. Plant them too early in fall, and they might not survive the first frost.
This guide covers everything. From soil temp to planting windows, we have you covered. Let’s get your garden growing.
Best Time To Plant Mustard Greens In Arkansas
The best time to plant mustard greens in arkansas falls into two main windows: early spring and late summer. In spring, aim for March 15 to April 15. In fall, plant from August 15 to September 15.
These dates are based on Arkansas’s USDA hardiness zones. Most of the state is in zones 6b to 8a. The last spring frost usually happens between March 20 and April 10. The first fall frost comes around October 15 to November 5.
Mustard greens can handle a light frost. They actually taste sweeter after a cold snap. But they won’t survive a hard freeze below 20°F.
Here is a simple breakdown:
- Spring planting: 2-4 weeks before last frost
- Fall planting: 6-8 weeks before first frost
- Soil temp: 45°F to 85°F (ideal is 60-70°F)
- Days to harvest: 30-45 days for baby greens
Spring Planting Window For Arkansas
Spring is the most popular time for mustard greens. The soil warms up quickly after winter. You can start seeds directly in the ground or in raised beds.
For central Arkansas (Little Rock area), plant around March 20. For northern Arkansas (Fayetteville), wait until April 1. For southern Arkansas (Texarkana), you can plant as early as March 10.
Check your local frost dates. Use a soil thermometer to be sure. Mustard seeds germinate best when soil is at least 45°F.
If you plant too early, seeds might rot in cold, wet soil. If you plant too late, the greens will bolt when summer heat hits. Bolting means the plant flowers and turns bitter.
Here are steps for spring planting:
- Prepare your bed 2 weeks before planting. Add compost or aged manure.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when they have 2 true leaves.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Fall Planting Window For Arkansas
Fall is actually easier for mustard greens in Arkansas. The soil is warm from summer, so seeds germinate fast. And the cooler fall weather keeps greens tender.
Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. For most of Arkansas, that means late August to mid-September. In southern zones, you can push to late September.
Fall greens often taste sweeter. The cool nights increase sugar content. You can harvest until a hard freeze hits.
Use row covers or cold frames to extend your harvest. Mustard greens can survive light frosts (28-32°F) with protection.
Steps for fall planting:
- Clear summer crops and add fresh compost.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart.
- Water well, especially if weather is still hot.
- Thin to 4-6 inches apart.
- Mulch around plants to keep soil cool and moist.
Soil Preparation For Mustard Greens
Good soil makes a big difference. Mustard greens grow best in rich, well-drained soil. They like a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Test your soil before planting. You can buy a kit at any garden center. If your soil is too acidic, add lime. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur.
Add organic matter like compost or aged manure. Work it into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
Raised beds are great for Arkansas clay soil. They warm up faster in spring and drain better after rain. Build beds 6-12 inches high.
Fertilizer Needs
Mustard greens are heavy feeders. They need nitrogen for leafy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 before planting.
Side-dress with nitrogen halfway through the growing season. Use blood meal or fish emulsion for organic options.
Too much nitrogen can make leaves tough. Too little makes them pale and small. Follow package directions.
Varieties Of Mustard Greens For Arkansas
Not all mustard greens are the same. Some handle heat better. Others are more cold-tolerant. Choose varieties that match your planting window.
Here are good options for Arkansas:
- Southern Giant Curled: Classic variety, heat tolerant, good for spring and fall
- Red Giant: Beautiful red leaves, mild flavor, cold hardy
- Tendergreen: Also called mustard spinach, smooth leaves, fast growing
- Mizuna: Japanese variety, feathery leaves, very cold tolerant
- Florida Broadleaf: Large leaves, slow to bolt, good for spring
Mix varieties for different textures and flavors. Plant a few types to extend your harvest season.
Seed Starting Tips
You can direct sow seeds or start them indoors. Direct sowing is easiest for mustard greens. They don’t transplant well because of their taproot.
If you start indoors, use peat pots. Transplant when seedlings have 2-3 true leaves. Be gentle with roots.
Soak seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting. This speeds up germination. Seeds should sprout in 4-7 days.
Keep soil moist during germination. Use a spray bottle to avoid washing seeds away.
Watering And Care
Mustard greens need consistent moisture. Water 1-2 inches per week. More if weather is hot or dry.
Water at the base of plants. Wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
Mulch around plants with straw or grass clippings. This keeps soil cool and reduces weeds.
Thin plants to 4-6 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and grow slowly.
Pest And Disease Control
Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Check leaves weekly for damage.
Use insecticidal soap for aphids. Diatomaceous earth works for flea beetles. Hand-pick cabbage worms.
Rotate crops each year. Don’t plant mustard greens where other brassicas grew last season. This reduces soil-borne diseases.
Fungal diseases like downy mildew can occur in wet weather. Space plants for good air flow. Avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting Mustard Greens
You can harvest baby greens in 30 days. Pick outer leaves when they are 4-6 inches long. Leave the inner leaves to grow.
For full-sized leaves, wait 40-50 days. Cut the whole plant at the base. Or pick leaves as needed.
Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp. Rinse well and store in the fridge. They last 5-7 days in a plastic bag.
Mustard greens get stronger as they mature. Young leaves are milder. Older leaves are spicier.
Succession Planting
Plant a new batch every 2-3 weeks. This gives you a continuous supply. Don’t plant all seeds at once.
In spring, plant from March to May. In fall, plant from August to October. You can get 3-4 plantings per season.
Succession planting works best with fast-growing varieties. Southern Giant Curled and Tendergreen are good choices.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many gardeners make these errors. Avoid them for better results.
- Planting too late in spring: Greens bolt in summer heat
- Planting too early in fall: Seeds may not germinate in hot soil
- Overcrowding: Thin seedlings for bigger leaves
- Underwatering: Leaves become tough and bitter
- Ignoring frost dates: Check local forecasts
Another mistake is not preparing soil. Mustard greens need rich, loose soil. Don’t plant in compacted clay without amending it.
Also, don’t forget to rotate crops. Diseases can build up in soil over time.
Season Extension Tips
You can grow mustard greens longer with simple tools. Row covers protect from light frost. Cold frames work for harder frosts.
In early spring, use row covers to warm soil. Remove them when temperatures rise above 75°F.
In late fall, use cold frames to keep plants growing. You can harvest into December in southern Arkansas.
Mulch heavily around plants before a hard freeze. This insulates roots and keeps soil from heaving.
Indoor Growing Options
If you have limited space, grow mustard greens indoors. Use a sunny windowsill or grow lights.
Plant in containers at least 6 inches deep. Use potting mix with good drainage. Water when soil feels dry.
Indoor greens grow slower but are still tasty. Harvest baby leaves for salads.
Companion Planting
Mustard greens grow well with certain plants. Good companions include:
- Beets
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Lettuce
Avoid planting near other brassicas like cabbage or broccoli. They share pests and diseases.
Plant dill or cilantro nearby to attract beneficial insects. Marigolds repel nematodes.
Nutritional Benefits
Mustard greens are packed with vitamins. They are high in vitamin A, C, and K. They also have calcium and fiber.
Eating them raw gives the most nutrients. But cooking reduces bitterness. Saute with garlic and olive oil for a quick side dish.
One cup of cooked mustard greens has only 21 calories. They are a great addition to a healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant mustard greens in Arkansas?
Spring planting is best from March 15 to April 15. Fall planting is best from August 15 to September 15. These dates vary by your exact location in the state.
Can I plant mustard greens in summer in Arkansas?
Summer heat makes mustard greens bolt and turn bitter. It’s not recommended. Stick to spring and fall for best results.
How long do mustard greens take to grow?
Baby greens are ready in 30 days. Full-sized leaves take 40-50 days. Harvest outer leaves for continuous growth.
Do mustard greens need full sun?
They grow best in full sun (6-8 hours daily). They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot weather. Afternoon shade helps prevent bolting.
Can I grow mustard greens in containers?
Yes, use containers at least 6 inches deep. Ensure good drainage. Water more often than in-ground plants.
Final Thoughts
Planting mustard greens in Arkansas is easy when you know the timing. Spring and fall are your best windows. Raised beds help with drainage and soil warmth.
Start with good soil and consistent water. Thin plants for bigger leaves. Harvest often for the best flavor.
With these tips, you can enjoy fresh mustard greens from your garden. They are fast, forgiving, and delicious. Get your seeds ready and plant at the right time.
Remember, the best time to plant mustard greens in arkansas is when the soil is cool but not frozen. Check your local frost dates and plan accordingly. Happy growing.