How to grow Mizuna?
- Latin Family: Brassicaceae
- Latin Genus: Brassica
- Ease of Growing: Temperamental
- Growing Type: Annual
Mizuna History
Mizuna most likely originated in China, but has been cultivated in Japan since ancient times.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.1 - 7.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 6.3
Mustards aren't particularly fussy about soils, but are most productive on rich moisture retentive ones.
How to care for Mizuna?
The plants need even watering and cool temperatures. If there is a slow down or interruption in growth they may [bolt] prematurely. If they do bolt, don't worry.
Water
If you want tasty, mild flavored mustard greens (and you do) you must keep the soil moist at all times. If the soil is too dry the plants will develop a bitter and pungent flavor.
Fertilizer
High nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous. The Mustards need fertile soil to produce well.
Seeds
Seed Viability:
Germination Percentage: 75.0
It's easy to save seed from these annuals. Just treat them like kale and gather the seed at the appropriate time. Be aware that it can become a weed if it gets established (though perhaps not an unwelcome one).
Mustard can produce far more seed than you need for propagation. You can use the surplus for growing cut- and come-again salad greens and micro-greens, or for sprouting like alfalfa (they make excellent, slightly spicy sprouts). They can even be used for making the condiment mustard.
Light
Part shade
Mustard Greens will grow pretty well in shade.
Conditions:Cool
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
While full sun is preferred, some partial shade during the day won't hurt.
Conditions:Cold, Cool
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Mustards can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 7 days (how long depends upon the variety).
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 3-7 days
Problems
Bolting
Mustard isn't a very long lived crop and is very prone to [bolt]ing if conditions aren't ideal (or if the day length is too long).
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can be a serious problem in early spring when there is not much else for them to eat. They can wipe out a new planting almost overnight.
Pests
- Cabbageworms
- Cabbage Root Maggot
- Birds
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Whiteflies
- Leafminers
- Slugs and snails
- Groundhog
- Gophers
- Deer
Diseases
- Clubroot
- Damping Off
- Powdery Mildew