Mustard greens are a cool-weather crop with a peppery flavor that is native to India.
HOW TO PLANT MUSTARD GREENS
Mustard greens are best grown in full sun with well-drained soil and a soil pH range of 6.0 through 6.8.
They can be sown straight into the soil after the last frost or as I prefer they can be started 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost indoors using a cardboard seed starting tray.
They are best planted 18 to 24 inches apart for rows, 12 to 18 inches apart, and one-half of an inch to one inch deep.
For best results, it is recommended before planting or sowing them to till compost into the soil, known as amending the soil.
This will provide nutrients to the soil, helps with water retention, and will help to keep the soil loose which will make it easier for the roots to grow.
FERTILIZING AND WATERING
To avoid any possible issues of over-fertilizing your peas, you should test your soil before adding any fertilizers.
Mustard greens are best fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a homemade liquid fertilizer can be used.
They prefer soil that is consistently moist but not soaked and they will require about 2 inches of water per week.
HARVESTING
Mustard greens are ready for harvest in about 6 weeks after the seeds have sprouted and the leaves should be 6 to 8 inches long.
Harvesting can be done by removing the large outer leaves with sterilized pair of gardening shears or a gardening knife.
After harvesting, they should be rinsed, allowed to dry, and they will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
PROPAGATING
Mustard greens are propagated through seed, therefore some plants should be allowed to go to seed for planting the following season.
PESTS
Mustard greens have few pests that feed on them but using natural methods such as attracting predators and using natural insecticides such as essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soap will keep your pest control organic.
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Slugs
- Snails
- Flea beetles
- Cabbage loopers
DISEASES
Mustard greens that are planted close together can develop mold and mildew issues during times of high humidity.
If this is the case then preventive measures may need to be taken.
- Downy mildew
- Bacterial leaf spot
- Anthracnose
- White Rust
- Damping off
- Black rot
VARIETIES
There are several different varieties of mustard greens that can grow as tall as three feet with some varieties being higher maintenance than others.
AMARA MUSTARD GREENS
Amara mustard greens are a cold-tolerant crop.
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart
- Days to germinate – 5 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 21 days for baby leaves and 45 days for mature leaves
FLORIDA BROADLEAF MUSTARD GREENS
Florida broadleaf mustard greens are a fast-growing crop that requires less maintenance than other varieties.
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart
- Days to germinate – 7 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 21 days for baby leaves and 45 days for mature leaves
WASABI MUSTARD GREENS
Wasabi mustard greens have a spicy peppery flavor like wasabi root.
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart
- Days to germinate – 7 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 21 days for baby leaves and 45 days for mature leaves
OSAKA PURPLE MUSTARD GREENS
Osaka purple mustard greens have a mild flavor, are sweet when leaves are young and the leaves are more pungent when harvested in about 80 days.
- Plant spacing – 12 to 18 inches apart
- Days to germinate – 5 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 21 days for baby leaves and 45 to 80 days for mature leaves
