Mizunas in Liverpool
Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica
A fast-growing Japanese mustard green that does best in cool UK conditions. Sow a little at a time from spring to late summer for a steady run of leaves, and protect young plants from slugs and flea beetle in dry weather.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Mizuna
Planting Calendar
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. Use a free-draining multi-purpose compost and keep the compost moving towards even moisture, not soggy.
Sow into pots
28 Mar – 15 Augevery 4 weeksFill containers with moist compost and sow thinly around 28 Mar - 15 Aug, then cover the seed with a shallow layer of compost. Keep the container somewhere bright and cool while the seedlings emerge.
Thin seedlings
16 Jun – 30 JunWhen the young plants are easy to handle, thin them to apart or transplant the extras into another pot. Water in well after thinning so the remaining roots settle quickly.
Keep growing evenly
20 Jun – 10 Octevery weekFrom 20th June, water whenever the top of the compost begins to dry, and move pots out of scorching sun in hot spells. Check for slugs, snails and flea beetle, especially on sheltered patios.
Harvest leaves
4 Jul – 20 Novevery weekPick outer leaves from 4th July once the plants are established, or cut the whole plant if you want a quick crop. Harvest regularly through 4th July - 20th November to keep the plants producing fresh growth.
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.
Related Plants
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Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.