Mustard Seeds,
Green Wave

Plant mustard greens in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Sow seeds 3-4 weeks before the last expected freeze date in spring or 6-8 weeks before the first expected freeze date in fall. Mustard seeds germinate quickly in soil temperatures as low as 40°F, but they grow best in temperatures between 55-70 degrees F​.

• 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.

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, dry, and become crispy. Shake pods into a paper bag to remove seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry location.