Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Mustard greens are fast-growing leafy plants in the cabbage family, grown as a cool-season crop in gardens across many regions.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Brassica juncea is an annual leafy brassica grown in gardens, and is one of the quickest, most forgiving leafy crops to raise.
Leaves range from frilly chartreuse to deep purple-red. The plant grows rapidly in cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall, and regrows after cut-and-come-again picking.
How to identify it
- Large, often crinkled or frilly leaves ranging from bright green to deep maroon-purple
- Upright rosette habit, 1-2 ft tall, bolting to a taller flower stalk in heat
- Yellow four-petaled flowers typical of the mustard family
- Slender seedpods (siliques) holding small round seeds
- Fast, vigorous growth in cool conditions
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for best growth; tolerates light shade.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist; drought stress triggers bolting.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-7.5.
Temperature: Cool-season crop (45-75°F); bolts in summer heat and is mildly frost-tolerant.
Feeding: A nitrogen-rich feed promotes lush leaves.
Propagation: Direct-sow seed; germinates in days. Sow successively for a continuous harvest.
Habitat & origin
Brassica juncea originated in the Himalayan region and has been cultivated across Asia, Africa, and Europe for millennia. It is now grown worldwide as a leaf crop.
It is a garden staple in the American South, India, China, and East Africa, thriving in temperate gardens during the cool shoulder seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do mustard greens grow?
Very fast—young leaves appear in about 3-4 weeks, with mature leaves ready in 6-7 weeks.
How can I identify mustard greens?
Look for large, often crinkled or frilly leaves ranging from bright green to deep maroon-purple in an upright rosette, with yellow four-petaled flowers typical of the mustard family.
Why are my mustard greens bolting?
Summer heat and drought stress trigger bolting, where the plant sends up a tall flower stalk. Grow it in cool weather and keep the soil evenly moist to delay it.
Will mustard greens regrow after cutting?
Yes—harvest outer leaves or cut a few inches above the crown and the plant will produce new growth.
Mustard Greens guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Mustard Greens.
