When to plant Mizuna in the UK

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
Sow outdoors April to September, harvest May to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    mid-April to mid-September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Sow thinly around mid-April to mid-September 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

    late April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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

    mid-April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    From mid-April, protect each sowing from slugs as soon as it germinates. Use mesh if flea beetle is pinholing the leaves. Keep this up through late October.

  4. 04

    Water regularly

    mid-April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, keep the soil evenly moist from mid-April through late October. Dry spells make plants bolt. Water at the base.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    mid-May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Start picking after each sowing from mid-May, 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 late October.

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.