How to Grow Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Hardy Cool Season Continuous Harvest
Mustard greens are fast-growing cool-season leaves. Direct sow in spring or autumn; they germinate quickly and are ready to pick in about 40 days. Harvest outer leaves continuously and keep well-watered to delay bolting. Succession-sow every 3 weeks for a steady supply.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Day 0 Germination
~7 days Harvest
~40 days Seed to harvest ~40 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes bolting.
- Bolts quickly in heat or long days. Sow successionally spring and autumn for continuous harvest. Tolerates light frost — autumn sowings can overwinter in mild areas.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 10–25°C
Don't know your frost date? Find it here
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 10–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Mustard Greens?
- Plant Mustard Greens 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Mustard Greens?
- Mustard Greens is ready to harvest approximately 28 days after transplanting.
- Is Mustard Greens frost hardy?
- Mustard Greens is classified as Hardy.
