Mustard Greens in Kingsknowe

Brassica juncea

Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens · Brassica juncea

A fast-growing leafy brassica for cool and mild weather. Sow in succession from spring through late summer for a steady supply of pungent young leaves, and keep it well watered in dry spells to slow bolting.

30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Kingsknowe · last frost ≈ 10 May

Sow April to May, harvest June to July. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Mustard Greens

  1. 01

    Sow Small Batches

    19 Apr to 10 May every week

    Sow small batches around 19th April - 10th May, setting seed about deep in prepared soil or compost. Sow a fresh batch every 7 days for a steady supply of young leaves rather than one glut.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    10 May to 20 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 10th May, thin them to their final spacing so they do not crowd each other. Keep the strongest plants and snip extras at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots.

  3. 03

    Protect From Slugs

    10 May to 13 Jun every week

    From 10th May, check plants often and protect them from slugs and snails, which can strip young leaves overnight. Use pellets only if needed and follow the label, or add barriers and hand-pick after rain.

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    13 May to 14 Jul every week

    From 13th May until 14th July, keep the soil evenly moist, especially in warm spells and under cover. Water at the base of the plants so growth stays steady and the leaves stay tender.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    9 Jun to 14 Jul every week

    Start picking from 9th June once plants are well developed. Cut outer leaves little and often for a cut-and-come-again crop, or lift whole plants if you want them young and mild.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Mustard Greens.

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 Mustard Greens to consider

Green in the Snow

A reliable, hardy variety for cool-weather sowings with good flavour and steady leaf production.

Red Giant

Large purple-tinged leaves with a stronger flavour and fast growth in cool conditions.

Komatsuna

A fast, mild-leaved type that can be picked young for repeated harvests.

Mustard Greens guides by town

See how Mustard Greens timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.