Mustard Greens Seeds - Osaka Purple - Brassica juncea

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a cool-season annual in all zones. Mustard greens are a hardy leafy vegetable that can tolerate light frosts but will bolt (go to seed) in extreme heat.

Best performance in Zones 3-9 during the cooler parts of the year.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. A light frost can even improve the flavor of the greens.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. Avoid planting during the peak of summer heat, which can cause the leaves to become bitter and the plant to bolt.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool soil for germination, with an optimal temperature range of 50-75F. Germination is poor in hot soils.

Growing Season - Requires 20-40 days to maturity, but can be harvested sooner as a baby green. This makes it an excellent crop for succession planting.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. For a fall crop, sow seeds in late summer, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent bolting. Mustard greens prefer rich, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and mixing in compost.

Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. For baby greens, you can sow them more densely.

Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water to moisten the seedbed.

Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 5-10 days.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Inconsistent watering can lead to bitterness in the greens.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost before planting. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once the plants are established to encourage vigorous leafy growth.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the leaves are young and tender. Harvest the outer leaves first to allow the inner leaves to continue growing. For a full harvest, you can cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the soil line, and it will often regrow for a second cutting.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common brassica pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Consider using row covers to protect young plants.