Mustard is a member of the cabbage family. Like other brassicas, they grow best in the cool season. Mustard comes in a variety of beautiful colors (green, red, purple) and textures (smooth, ruffled, lacy), making it very ornamental as well as tasty.
Planting
- Transplant or direct seed 4 to 6 inches apart in February to April or September to October, possibly in May, August, or November depending on weather or local conditions.
- Seeds will germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40ºF.
- Plant every 2 weeks for successive harvesting.
- For larger heads, thin to 12 to 18 inches apart.
- If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 4 weeks before you want to plant.
Harvest window
- A rapid grower, mustard greens are ready to harvest at 45 to 50 days.
- Younger leaves are more tender and are ready to eat at 4 to 5 inches long.
- You can harvest the entire plant or individual leaves. If picking individual leaves, harvest the outer leaves to let the inner leaves continue to develop.
- Plants may bolt (send up a flower stalk) when the weather gets warm and days get longer.
Pest management
Mustard is in the cabbage family, also known as cole crops or brassicas, and pests are similar across the family.
Pests and disorders of cabbage, UC IPM
More links
- Mustard Greens, University of Illinois Extension, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
- Mustard Greens, Cornell University
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Komatsuna, OP | Also called Mustard Spinach. Mild, sweet flavor, good in salads or cooking. Plant closely for baby greens or up to 10 inches apart. |
| Red Giant, OP | Beautiful mustard, both ornamental and tasty. Harvest young leaves for salads or larger leaves to cook. Striking in a border. 8 to 24 inches tall. Plant 4 to 6 inches or 12 to 18 inches apart. |
| Ruby Streaks, OP | Stunningly beautiful mustard, with feathery, ruby red leaves. Delicious in salads and stir-fries. A perfect ornamental edible. 6 to 12 inches tall. Plant 4 to 6 inches apart. |
| Spicy Green, Hybrid | New variety from Japan developed for a tangy, hot flavor like wasabi. Pick small for mild, delicate flavor or large for robust, spicy flavor. 8 to 24 inches tall. Plant 4 to 6 inches or 12 to 18 inches apart. |
Other recommended varieties: Florida Broadleaf, Mizuna, Southern Giant Curled
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.