When to plant Mizuna in Liverpool

Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica

Mizuna
Mizuna · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Liverpool · average last frost around 16 Apr

Sow outdoors April to October, harvest April to November. Typical frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
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HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow small batches outside for a long season of cut-and-come-again leaves. This is the usual UK way to grow mizuna in a bed.

  1. 01

    Sow a small batch

    2 Apr to 8 Oct Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Sow thinly around 2nd April - 8th October in shallow drills. Cover with of fine compost. Sow a fresh batch every 14 days.

    • Fork in some compost and rake to a fine tilth before you sow.
    • In hot weather, a little light shade and even moisture help stop plants bolting.

  2. 02

    Thin seedlings

    12 Apr to 12 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to apart. Snip extras at soil level so you do not disturb the roots you want to keep.

  3. 03

    Protect from pests

    2 Apr to 12 Nov

    From 2nd April, protect each sowing from slugs as soon as it germinates. Use mesh if flea beetle is pinholing the leaves. Keep this up through 12th November.

  4. 04

    Water regularly

    2 Apr to 12 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, keep the soil evenly moist from 2nd April through 12th November. Dry spells make plants bolt. Water at the base.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    30 Apr to 12 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Start picking after each sowing from 30th April, once baby leaves are big enough to eat. Take outer leaves, or cut about above the soil so the plant resprouts. Keep picking little and often through 12th November.

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

Mizuna

The standard green form, with finely cut leaves and a mild mustard flavour.

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.

Mizuna guides by town

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