Mustard greens are also known as (spinach, leaf mustard and white mustard), is a quick-to-mature, easy-to-grow, cool-season vegetable for greens or salads. This cool weather crop is easy to grow and the leaves are great raw, in salads, or as a cooked greens.

There are many varieties available with organic and heirloom cultivars readily available. They range from dark green to ruby, varigated, and purple. Leaves can be elongated, oval, and range from small to large

Ideal Site- Mustard greens need a firm moisture retentive soil, they will not thrive where moisture is limited. Mustard greens prefer an open sunny site. Summer crops can tolerate light shade. These crops are good for interplanting when kept small. These greens are suitable for winter cropping under cover in greenhouses or hoop houses.. No soil treatment is needed if site was improved by a previous crop. If the site has light soil, use a low to medium-fertility soil improver prior to planting. The ideal soil ph is 6.5-7

Seed to Harvest- 6-13 weeks depending cultivar

Cultivation- The minimum germination temperature for Mustard greens is 45F (7C). Undercover: Sow in cell packs from Mar/April for transplanting outside. Sow direct or in cell packs September to March for growing undercover. Outside: Sow in April or May and again in late August- October for a second crop. Leave the middle of summer for heat loving crops. Sow mustard seeds 1/4 to 1/3 in (.5-.7cm) deep.

Spacing- For harvesting young leaves 6x6in (15x15cm). Larger plants 14x14in (35x35cm). As a seedling crop broadcast sow thinly..

Plant Care- Be sure to keep the soil moist at all times, water during dry periods. Mustard plants should be grown quickly. Use plenty of water, and ample amounts of organic fertilizer, to promote fast growth of tender, green leaves.. Keep the plants well weeded, so weeds do not compete for water and nutrients. It makes harvesting easier, too.

Harvesting- Mustard greens are eaten raw, or cooked. Harvest leaves while young and tender. Pick individual leave, or the entire plant. Leaves get tough and have a strong flavor during hot, dry weather.

Mustard seeds should be harvested when the plants begin to yellow. You want to leave them on the plants as long as possible, but before the pods burst open and spill their seeds.


Problems- aphids. clubroot, slugs, flea beetle, When flea beetle is a problem, grow under row covers or fine mesh netting.

Nutrients- Mustard Greens are nutrition packed vegetables containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, dietary fiber, folate, manganese, tryptophan, calcium, potassium, protein, copper, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium