Mizuna
The standard green form, with finely cut leaves and a mild mustard flavour.
When to plant Mizuna in Cambridge
Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica
A fast Japanese mustard green for the UK garden. Sow a little at a time, keep the soil evenly moist, and give light shade in heat so plants do not bolt.
30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Grow mizuna in pots or window boxes for quick harvests close to the kitchen. Keep the compost evenly moist, not soggy.
01
Sow into pots
23 Apr to 14 Sept Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFill containers with moist compost and sow thinly around 23rd April - 14th September. Cover with of compost. Sow a fresh batch every 14 days.
- In hot weather, move pots into light shade and keep the compost evenly moist so plants do not bolt.
02
Thin seedlings
3 May to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, thin to apart once the plants are easy to handle. You can pot on the extras. Water in after thinning.
03
Keep growing evenly
7 May to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekAfter each sowing, from 7th May, water when the top of the compost begins to dry. Keep it moist, not soggy. Move pots out of scorching sun in hot spells. Check for slugs and flea beetle.
04
Harvest leaves
21 May to 18 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekPick outer leaves after each sowing from 21st May once plants are established. Harvest regularly through 18th November to keep fresh growth coming.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Mizuna.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Mizuna to consider
Red Mizuna
A red-tinged selection with the same quick growth and peppery bite.
Kyoto
A common green mizuna type, valued for its neat leaf shape and steady cutting.
Purple Mizuna
A darker ornamental strain that is still good to eat when picked young.
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Calabrese
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Mizuna guides by town
See how Mizuna timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.