When to Plant Mustard in Chicago, Illinois (60607)

Location

Chicago, Illinois

ZIP Code

60607

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Sow Mustard directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica juncea

Days to Maturity 56 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 1-7 days

Ready to Plant Mustard in Chicago?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CabbageCauliflowerRadishBrussel SproutTurnip

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Mustard

See which plants help Mustard thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed pods just as they turn tan — before they shatter and seeds drop.

Processing

Cut stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds from pods, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Mustard crosses freely within the Brassica family — isolate by 300 feet from other mustard varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mustard in Chicago, Illinois? +

In Chicago (Zone 6b), direct sow Mustard outdoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Chicago, Illinois? +

The average last spring frost date for Chicago, Illinois (ZIP 60607) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Mustard take to grow? +

Mustard typically matures in about 56 days from direct sowing. In Chicago, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, March 4, 2026 plus 56 days.

Should I start Mustard indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +

Mustard does best when direct sown outdoors. In Chicago, sow directly around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

📚 More Mustard Planting Guides

🗺️

Mustard in Illinois

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Mustard Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

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Growing Mustard in Zone 6b

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Chicago, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should direct sow seeds around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Mustard grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.