Melinda Myers

Mustard Greens

Botanical Name

Brassica juncea

Hardiness

Annual

Height

6 to 24 inches

Width

12 to 24 inches

Flowers

Yellow

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter

Planting & Care

• Mustard greens are a cool season vegetable. Seeds germinate best in temperatures between 45°F and 85°F.
• Begin sowing directly outdoors 3 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds ¹/₃ to ¹/₂ inch deep, spacing seeds 1 inch apart.
• Thin seedlings to 6 inches for smaller varieties and 18 inches for larger varieties
• Seedlings that are thinned out can be added to salads or sandwiches
• For a continual harvest make repeated plantings every 2 to 3 weeks
• Mustard is fast growing and can be quick to bolt in warmer temperatures. Higher temperatures and drier soil results in a more intense pepper flavor and tougher leaves
• The cooler temperatures of fall provide more favorable growing conditions that result in a better quality harvest
• Mulch soil around plants to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Use floating row covers earlier in the growing season to protect plants from insect pests

Problems

Cabbage worms, aphids

Varieties

• Florida Broadleaf - slow to bolt, large leaves
• Green Wave - All-America Selections Winner, 24", slow to bolt
• Red Giant - 18", ornamental purple tinged leaves that intensify in color in cooler temperatures
• Southern Giant Curled - slow to bolt, bright green, AAS winner
• Mizuna Red Kingdom - Japanese mustard variety, attractive reddish-purple leaves, mild flavor, slow to bolt, excellent in containers, AAS winner