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Mustard Greens Zone 6

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Mustard greens are leafy vegetables with a spicy peppery flavor that belong to the Brassica family. They are easy to grow and very nutritious.

Varieties

Honestly, I am not the biggest fan of spicy foods but I just love mustard greens. Especially with eggs and in stir fry. Here are my two favorite varieties.

Red Giant

My favorite. Can be harvested for baby leaf or full-grown plants. 21 days baby and 45 days full size. Somewhat spicy mustard flavor. Has better heat tolerance than most varieties. Open-pollinated.

Scarlett Frills

Looking to make your salads fancy and beautiful? This variety has red-tinted, ruffled leaves and is great for fall gardens. 21 days for baby leaf and 37 full size. Open-pollinated.

Planting

Organic mustard greens thrive in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Begin by clearing the planting area from weeds, rocks, and other debris. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and moisture retention.

Plan on spring and fall crops in Zone 6. Mustard greens do best in temperatures less than 75°F (24°C). Seeds germinate best at 55-65°F and require 7-10 days to emerge. Young plants will tolerate light frost but not as well as kale does.

Mustard greens can be directly sown outdoors or started indoors, depending on your preference and climate. Here are the steps for both methods:

Direct Sowing

1. Sow mustard seeds in the garden 2 weeks before the last frost. Or 4 weeks if you are covering the bed with hoops and row cover.
2. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and space them 2 to 4 inches apart. Leave about 12 to 18 inches of space between rows.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. As mustard greens grow quickly, stagger your plantings every two to three weeks up until the first frost date to have a steady supply of fresh greens.

Indoor Start:

1. Fill seed trays or pots with a quality seed-starting mix.
2. Sow mustard green seeds ¼ inch deep in 48-flat or individual 3-inch pots.
3. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide adequate light until seedlings emerge.
4. Transplant your seedlings outdoors once they develop their first true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.

5. They will do well under row cover for season extension. I plant mine early along with kale and lettuces.

Mustard Greens also make a great microgreen crop.

Watering and Fertilizing

Mustard greens prefer consistent soil moisture. Water your plants regularly, aiming to provide around 1 inch of water per week. Avoid over-watering, as it can lead to disease issues, but also prevent the soil from drying out completely.


To nourish your mustard greens organically, apply compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. Additionally, you can use a liquid organic fertilizer like fish emulsion to promote vigorous growth and healthy foliage.

Weeds

Keep mustard greens weed-free by regularly removing any unwanted plants. Mulching around the plants will help suppress weed growth, retain moisture, and maintain a more consistent soil temperature.

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Pest Control


Inspect your mustard greens regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, flea beetles, or caterpillars. Check out my video on Flea Beetles.

For bad infestations, I use Monterrey Insect Spray which is spinosad. This brand is OMRI-listed for organic growers.

Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings by incorporating diverse flowers and plants near your mustard greens. Mint also repels flea beetles.

Companion Planting

Lettuce: Mustard greens and lettuce make great companions as they have similar water and sunlight requirements. Plus, lettuce can provide some shade to mustard greens, especially during hot weather.

Carrots: Carrots and mustard greens are mutually beneficial. Mustard greens can help repel certain pests that affect carrots, while carrots, with their deep roots, can improve the soil structure for mustard greens.

Radishes: Radishes act as a natural pest deterrent for mustard greens, particularly against flea beetles. They also help break up compacted soil, making it easier for mustard greens' roots to grow.

Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also act as a natural pest repellent. Nasturtiums can deter aphids, which might otherwise bother mustard greens.

Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they enrich the soil with nitrogen. Mustard greens, being leafy greens, benefit from this nitrogen boost for healthy growth.

Harvesting Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are typically ready to harvest within 30 to 45 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvesting at the baby-leaf stage offers a more tender and milder flavor, while mature leaves develop spicier taste profiles.
To harvest mustard greens:
1. Select the outer leaves or the whole plant, depending on your preferences and needs.
2. Use a clean pair of scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves just above the soil level.
3. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous leaf growth. Avoid allowing plants to bolt or produce flowers, as this can negatively impact flavor.

Storing

After harvesting mustard greens, rinse them thoroughly with cool water to remove any debris. Dry them gently with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel before storing them in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator. Freshly harvested mustard greens can stay fresh for up to a week.
Mustard greens can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, stir-fries, sautés, and soups. Enjoy their unique peppery flavor by adding them to your favorite recipes or experimenting with new culinary creations.




Ways to Use

  1. Sautéed Mustard Greens:

  • Heat olive oil in a pan, add chopped garlic and mustard greens.

  • Sauté until the greens are wilted and tender.

  • Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice.

    2. Mustard Green Pesto:

    • Blend mustard greens with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

    • Toss with pasta, use as a sandwich spread, or mix into rice dishes.

    3. Mustard Green Salad:

    • Combine chopped mustard greens with other leafy greens for a fresh salad.

    • Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite vinaigrette.

    4. Stir-fried mustard Greens:

    • Stir-fry mustard greens with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.

    • Top with sesame seeds for extra flavor.

    5. Mustard Green Wraps:

    • Use large mustard green leaves as a wrap for your favorite fillings, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa.

    6. Mustard Green Soup:

    • Add mustard greens to your favorite vegetable or chicken soup for a nutrient boost.

    • They work well in hearty soups and broths.

    7. Mustard Green Smoothie:

    • Blend mustard greens with fruits like pineapple, banana, and a splash of orange juice for a nutritious smoothie.

    8. Mustard Green and Potato Hash:

    • Sauté diced potatoes with chopped mustard greens, onions, and your favorite spices for a tasty hash.

    9. Mustard Green Chips:

    • Toss mustard greens with olive oil and bake until crispy for a healthy alternative to potato chips.

    10. Mustard Green Omelette:

    • Add sautéed mustard greens, tomatoes, and cheese to your morning omelet for a flavorful twist.

Ame Vanorio has thirty years of gardening experience and spent a lifetime playing in the dirt. She is also active in wildlife conservation. Check out her Author Page on Amazon.