Eva Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Seeds per pack ~ 70
Germination: 80% Oct 2024
Packed for 2025
A population of several different varieties of Brassica juncea that crossed with each other and naturalized on the farm of Eva Sommaripa of Eva's Garden in southeastern Massachusetts. Further selected by Bill Braun of Freed Seed Federation for flavor and cold hardiness - but not for form, honoring the inherent diversity of phenotypes. Pungent garlicky-mustard flavor.
Mustard Greens are leafy vegetables from the Brassica family, closely related to cabbage, kale, and collard greens. They have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor, which can vary in intensity depending on the variety and how they are grown. Mustard greens are commonly used in Southern, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, often cooked or added to salads for a bold, tangy flavor. Growing mustard greens is rewarding for both their nutritional value and flavor! They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and antioxidants.
There are several varieties of Mustard Greens:
- Curled Leaf Mustard: Has deeply frilled leaves with a spicy flavor.
- Giant Red Mustard: Large, reddish-purple leaves with a strong mustard taste.
- Tendergreen Mustard: Milder and often smoother in texture.
- Mizuna: A Japanese variety with feathery leaves and a milder taste.
Growing Mustard Greens:
Mustard greens are cool-season crops that are relatively easy to grow and thrive in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Mustard greens prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a well-drained area with fertile soil, rich in organic matter. Mustard greens do best in cooler weather. In hot weather, they can bolt (go to seed) and become bitter. Companion planting with herbs or flowers like marigolds can help deter pests.
Soil Preparation: Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Mustard greens thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Make sure to till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Planting: If you Direct Sow plant the seeds directly in the garden about 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring or 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 3 to 6 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they sprout. For larger leaves, space them further apart.
Watering & Fertilization: Keep the soil evenly moist. Mustard greens grow best with about 1 inch of water per week. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and keep the soil cool. Mustard greens are heavy feeders. You can side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer after plants are established to encourage healthy leaf growth. A balanced, organic fertilizer can also be used before planting to improve soil fertility.
Care and Maintenance: Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers. Use organic pest controls, like neem oil or row covers, to protect the plants. Regular weeding helps keep competition for nutrients low, allowing your mustard greens to flourish.
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting mustard greens as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat, usually 30-40 days after planting. Cut outer leaves first, leaving the center of the plant to continue growing. Younger leaves are milder in flavor, while older leaves are spicier. For a continual harvest, plant new seeds every few weeks.
