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 November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

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.

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

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

    Fill containers with moist compost and sow thinly around mid-April to mid-September. 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

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

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

    After each sowing, from early May, 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

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

    Pick outer leaves after each sowing from mid-May once plants are established. Harvest regularly through late November 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.