Mustard is cool-season leaf crop. Sow mustard as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Sow succession crops every 4 to 6 weeks. Mustard requires 30 to 40 days to reach harvest. Plant crops so that they come to harvest before temperature average greater than 75°F. Sow mustard in autumn or early winter in mild winter regions.
Description. Mustard is a hardy leaf vegetable with a rosette of large light or dark green curly leaves that grow to 3 feet tall. Leaves and leaf stalks are eaten and have a peppery flavor. The seeds can be ground and used as a condiment.
Yield. Plant 6 to 10 mustard plants per household member.
Site. Grow mustard in full sun or partial shade. Plant mustard in well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting. Mustard prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Planting time. Sow mustard as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Sow succession crops every 4 to 6 weeks. Mustard requires 30 to 40 days to reach harvest. Plant crops so that they come to harvest before temperature average greater than 75°F. Sow mustard in autumn or early winter in mild winter regions. Seeds may be slow to germinate if the soil is too coo, 40°F or less. Mustard grown in hot weather or long days will bolt and go to seed.
Planting and spacing. Sow mustard seed ½ inch deep; when seedlings are large enough to handle thin them from 4 to 8 inches apart; space rows 12 to 24 inches apart.
Water and feeding. Keep soil evenly moist to keep leaves growing quickly. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Add aged compost to planting beds before sowing. Side dress plants with aged compost at midseason.
Companion plants. English peas, snap peas.
Care. Keep planting beds weed free. Pull mustard from the garden as soon as it goes to seed to avoid prolific self seeding.
Container growing. Mustard can easily be grown in a container. Broadcast seeds over the soil surface and cover lightly with soil. Thinnings can be eaten.
Pests. Mustard can be attacked by flea beetles and aphids. Wash these pests away with a blast of water.
Diseases. Mustard is susceptible to white rust. Remove leaves that have white rust. Water plants at the base of the stem keeping moisture off the leaves.
Harvest. Pick individual leaves when they are young and tender, 3 to 4 inches long, or cut and use the entire plant. Complete the harvest before the weather grows hot; hot weather will cause leaves to become tough and strong flavored. Complete the harvest before the plant goes to seed.
Varieties. Curled: Fordhook Fancy (40 days); Red Giant (23 days); Green Wave (45 days); Southern Giant Curled (40 days). Plain Leaf: Florida Broad Leaf (43-50 days); Tendergreen (34-40 days). Oriental Mustard Cabbage-green stalks: Chinese Pac Choi (60 days); Choi Sum (60 days); Dai Gai Choy (65 days). Oriental Mustard Cabbage-white stalks: Bok Choi (45-60 days); Chinese Flat Cabbage (40 days); Green-In-Snow (45 days); Joi-Choi (45-50 days).
Storing and preserving. Mustard will keep in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Mustard leaves can be frozen or dried. Mustard seeds can be sprouted.
Common name. Mustard, Chinese mustard, leaf mustard, spinach greens
Botanical name. Brassica juncea
Origin. Asia
Grow 80 vegetables: KITCHEN GARDEN GROWERS’ GUIDE
I love planting this kind of spinach. However, each time I have planted, I see white stuff and insects on the back of the leaves which render the leaves inedible. Would you please suggest a cure for the problem.
Kholani
Growing Mustard and Spinach: Mustard, spinach, and cabbage family crops grow best in cool weather. Grow these crops starting in early to mid-spring or in mid- to late summer for a fall crop. Grow these crops so they come to harvest when the weather is cool, before summer heat comes. Place floating row covers over the bed before the plants emerge or after transplanting–a floating row cover will protect the crop from flea beetles, small black insects. To prevent disease problems, rotate crops regularly; do not plant mustard or cabbage family crops where other members of the family have grown during the previous year. The white you see may be white mold which can lead to rot. If diseases persist, remove all of the infected plants from the garden as soon as you notice them. Remove all crop debris from the garden at the end of each season as well. Improve the drainage in your soil by adding aged compost on a regular basis–twice a year. Space plants widely to increase air circulation. Keep the garden weed free to prevent pests and diseases from hanging around.