
Mustard greens are a cool-season leaf crop. Mustard is a hardy leaf vegetable with a rosette of large light or dark green curly leaves that grow to 3 feet (.9m) tall. Leaves and leaf stalks are eaten and have a peppery flavor. The seeds can be ground and used as a condiment.
Here is your complete guide to growing mustard greens!
Mustard Greens Quick Growing Tips
- Sow mustard greens as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
- Sow succession crops every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Mustard greens require 30 to 40 days to reach harvest.
- Plant crops so that they come to harvest before temperatures average greater than 75°F (24°C).
- Sow mustard greens in autumn or early winter in mild winter regions.
- Mustard greens yield: Plant 6 to 10 mustard plants per household member.

Where to Mustard Greens
- Grow mustard greens 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.
Mustard Greens 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 mustard greens so that they come to harvest before temperatures average greater than 75°F (24°C).
- 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 (4.4°C) or less.
- Mustard grown in hot weather or long days will bolt and go to seed.
Planting and Spacing Mustard Greens
- Sow mustard seed ½ inch (12mm) deep.
- When seedlings are large enough to handle thin them from 4 to 8 inches (10-20cm) apart.
- Space rows 12 to 24 inches a(30-61cm) part.
Mustard Greens Companion Plants
- Plant mustard greens with other leafy greens, English peas and snap peas.
Container Growing Mustard Greens
- Mustard can easily be grown in a container.
- Broadcast seeds over the soil surface and cover lightly with soil. Thinnings can be eaten.

Watering and Feeding Mustard Greens
- Keep soil evenly moist to keep mustard leaves growing quickly. Do not allow the soil to dry out.
- Add aged compost to planting beds before sowing.
- Side dress mustard plants with aged compost at midseason.
Mustard Greens Care
- Keep planting beds weed-free.
- Pull mustard from the garden as soon as it goes to seed to avoid prolific self-seeding.
Mustard Greens Pests and Diseases
- Mustard can be attacked by flea beetles and aphids. Wash these pests away with a blast of water.
- Mustard is susceptible to white rust. Remove leaves that have white rust.
- To avoid diseases, water plants at the base of the stem keeping moisture off the leaves.
Harvesting Mustard Greens
- Pick individual leaves when they are young and tender, 3 to 4 inches (7-10cm) 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.
Storing and Preserving Mustard Greens
- 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.

Mustard Varieties to Grow
- Curled Leaf: ‘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).
About Mustard Greens
- Common name. Mustard, Chinese mustard, leaf mustard, spinach greens
- Botanical name. Brassica juncea
- Origin. Asia
Grow 80 vegetables: KITCHEN GARDEN GROWERS’ GUIDE