Holly's Homestead — Leafy Green
Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 30–50 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 30–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20cm
Depth
0.5–1cm
01Peppery and productive
A fast, spicy leafy green that tolerates a wider range of conditions than lettuce or spinach — a good filler crop between slower vegetables.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow thinly.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow through cooler months for the mildest flavour; heat intensifies the pepperiness.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Keep soil evenly moist.
- Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
- Succession sow every few weeks.
- Net if flea beetle pressure is high.
04Problems
- Flea beetle — small holes in leaves; net young plants.
- Bolting — heat stress; grow in cooler months.
- Aphids — hose off.
- Very hot flavour — usually from heat stress or over-maturity.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves reach usable size, picked young to moderate.
Method
Cut outer leaves or the whole plant.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionBeansAvoid nearby
Other brassicas nearbyRotation note
Rotate brassicas loosely on a 2–3 year cycle.
