Growing and Harvesting Mustard
Mustard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family. This family also includes vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli. Mustard greens have a sharp, pungent flavor that is a perfect addition to many dishes. They can be harvested in as little as 4 weeks.
Fast and easy to grow, use White Mustard for salad or garnishing is grown in precisely the same way as Cress, and is cut at the same period of growth. Mustard and Cress are generally sown together, but as Mustard matures the quickest, the Cress seed is generally four or five days before the Mustard, so as to have both ready for cutting at the same time.
how to grow mustard greens in your garden
Mustard will grow well in most soils, but will produce the most seed in rich, well-drained, well-prepared soil. It will thrive if given constant moisture. It likes cool weather; a light frost can even improve flavor.
When to Plant Mustard Greens
Mustard greens can be grown year-round in most climates. In colder climates, they can be planted in late winter or early spring. In warmer climates, they can be planted in late Summer or early Fall.
Where to Plant Mustard Greens
Mustard is perfectly hardy and seed can be sown the whole year round. During hot weather, however, select a shady position and water freely. It may be grown in boxes or on a piece of thick woolen cloth, kept moist. Mustard greens will grow well in most soils, but they will produce the most seed in rich, well-drained, well-prepared soil. They will thrive if given constant moisture. They like cool weather; a light frost can even improve flavor. Any kind of light soil is suitable, and even water alone will enable it to grow large enough for use. The general treatment is the same as that recommended for Cress.
How to Plant Mustard Greens
Mustard greens can be planted from seed or transplants. If you are planting from seed, sow the seeds ¼ inch deep and 18 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are 4 inches tall. If you are transplanting, set the plants 12 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart.
Watering and Fertilizing Mustard Greens
Water mustard greens regularly so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. Apply a thin layer of compost around the plants every 4-6 weeks.
Harvesting Mustard Greens
You can begin harvesting mustard greens 4 weeks after planting. Cut the leaves about 1 inch above the soil line with scissors or a sharp knife. The leaves will continue to grow back after harvest so you can harvest them several times over the course of a few weeks. Once the weather starts to warm up, the mustard greens will bolt (send up a flower stalk). At this point, the leaves will become bitter and tough so it is best to harvest them before they bolt.
I hope you’re inspired you to try growing mustard greens in your garden! They are easy to care for and only take a few weeks to harvest. Be sure to water them regularly and fertilize with compost every 4-6 weeks for best results. Happy gardening!
