Best Mustard Green Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
Growing mustard greens in your garden is rewarding—they’re fast-growing, nutritious, and versatile in the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many varieties, and I’ve learned which ones thrive in home gardens while providing great flavor and texture. Here’s a guide to the best mustard greens to plant this season.
1. Southern Giant Curled
- Type: Curled leaf
- Flavor: Bold, spicy, traditional mustard taste
- Why Grow It: Fast-growing, hardy, ideal for braising or sautéing
2. Red Giant
- Type: Curled leaf
- Flavor: Medium spice, slightly sweet, earthy undertone
- Why Grow It: Adds color to salads, grows well in cool or warm climates
3. Green Wave
- Type: Curled leaf
- Flavor: Zesty, peppery, robust
- Why Grow It: Excellent for stir-fries and soups, withstands heat better than some other types
4. Tendergreen
- Type: Plain leaf
- Flavor: Mild, tender, slightly sweet
- Why Grow It: Perfect for baby greens and salads; quick to harvest
5. Florida Broadleaf
- Type: Plain leaf
- Flavor: Mild to medium heat, juicy
- Why Grow It: Reliable, versatile, ideal for both raw and cooked dishes
6. Mizuna (Japanese Mustard)
- Type: Frilly/feathery leaf
- Flavor: Mild peppery tang
- Why Grow It: Great for mixing with other greens, delicate flavor ideal for fresh salads
7. Osaka Purple
- Type: Curled leaf
- Flavor: Medium spice, earthy
- Why Grow It: Adds vibrant color and texture to both salads and cooked dishes
My Experience
In my experience, planting a mix of plain leaf and curled leaf varieties ensures a continuous harvest and variety of flavors. I often plant Tendergreen and Mizuna for tender baby leaves, alongside Southern Giant Curled or Red Giant for bold, hearty greens. Choosing varieties suited to your climate and taste preferences makes all the difference in both yield and enjoyment.
Best Mustard Green Varieties: Quick Reference
| Variety | Leaf Type | Flavor | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Giant Curled | Curled | Bold, spicy, traditional mustard | Braising, sautéing |
| Red Giant | Curled | Medium spice, slightly sweet | Salads, stir-fries |
| Green Wave | Curled | Zesty, peppery, robust | Stir-fries, soups |
| Tendergreen | Plain | Mild, tender, slightly sweet | Salads, baby greens |
| Florida Broadleaf | Plain | Mild to medium heat, juicy | Raw or cooked dishes |
| Mizuna | Frilly/feathery | Mild peppery tang | Salads, mixed greens |
| Osaka Purple | Curled | Medium spice, earthy | Salads, cooked dishes |
Mustard Growing Hub
Start here: The Ultimate Mustard Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest
Varieties & Types
- Best Mustard Green Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
- Plain Leaf vs. Curled Leaf Mustard Greens: What’s the Difference?
- Oriental Mustard Cabbage Explained: Green Stalk vs. White Stalk Varieties
- Flavor Profiles of Different Mustard Green Varieties
Planting & Growing
- When to Plant Mustard Greens by USDA Zone
- Mustard Greens Planting Calendar (Month-by-Month Guide)
- The Best Places to Plant Mustard Greens for Healthy Growth
- Proper Spacing for Mustard Greens: Garden and Container Tips
- Mustard Greens Companion Plants for Pest Control and Better Yields
- How to Grow Mustard Greens in Containers Step by Step
Care & Maintenance
- How to Water Mustard Greens for Tender Leaves
- Feeding Mustard Greens: Fertilizer Tips for Fast Growth
- Common Mustard Green Pests and Diseases and How to Control Them Naturally
- Easy Mustard Greens Care Guide for Beginners
Harvest & Serving
