Planting and care
How to grow mustard greens
When to grow
Cool season · Annual
How to start
Direct seed or transplant
Mature size
12–24 in, cultivar-dependent
Time to harvest
Baby leaves: 20–30 days from seed; mature greens: 35–60 days.
Feeding needs
Moderate feeder
Growth habit
Leafy Green
How to prune
Remove damaged outer foliage and preserve the growing center. Remove bolting plants when leaf flavor becomes too strong.
How to harvest
Pick outer leaves young for milder flavor; cut a few at a time. For a whole-plant crop, cut just above soil level before stalks become tough.
Harvest and kitchen use
Fresh baby leaves, sautéing, braising and soups
Nutrition and garden value
Vitamins A, C and K plus folate
Fast and productive in cool weather
Common challenges and troubleshooting
Flea beetles, aphids and bolting in heat