How To Grow Mustard Seeds

HISTORY

Native to southern and eastern Asia. Mustard is widely adaptable plant that can be found in a range of cuisines, from Indian and Filipino to Italian and Japanese.

USES

• Many culinary uses

• Direct sow seeds around the time of last frost and succession sow every 2-4 weeks for a consistent supply.
• Ideal germination temperature is 45-85 F.
• Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date and transplant out after last frost.
• Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Spacing will depend on variety; typically 12-18 inch final spacing for full-headed varieties will suffice, and 6-10 inches for smaller headed or open, leafy types.
• Succession sow every 2-4 weeks.
• Seeds germinate in 4-7 days.

• Provide full sun.
• Tolerant of average soils, and an amendment of organic matter like well-rotted compost is ideal.
• Average water needs.
• Harvest may depend on variety. Most mustards can be harvested by snapping off individual leaves or cutting the entire plant for cut-and-come-again greens.
• Some varieties may bolt in excessive heat of summer. In this case, wait until late summer/early fall to resume planting for another cool weather harvest.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Mustards can be susceptible to a few diseases such as powdery mildew and white mold; prevent by rotating your crop planting.
• Do not plant brassicas in the same place over and over.

• Annual (although some are weak biennials that act as annuals).
• Brassica juncea is capable of self pollinating, but insects can cross pollinate the flowers with other varieties of B. juncea if growing within a 2 mile radius. If saving seeds, isolate the plants from other B. juncea varieties by 2 miles.
• To save the seeds, allow pods to brown and become crispy.
• Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry location.