When to plant Mizuna in London

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 London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors March to October, harvest April to December. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

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.

  1. 01

    Sow into pots

    21 Mar to 6 Oct Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Fill containers with moist compost and sow thinly around 21st March - 6th October. 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.

  2. 02

    Thin seedlings

    31 Mar to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, thin to apart once the plants are easy to handle. You can pot on the extras. Water in after thinning.

  3. 03

    Keep growing evenly

    4 Apr to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    After each sowing, from 4th April, 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.

  4. 04

    Harvest leaves

    18 Apr to 10 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Pick outer leaves after each sowing from 18th April once plants are established. Harvest regularly through 10th December 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

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.