General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Needs warm, fertile soil with ample water while young, but can tolerate cooler temperatures when mature. If too cold or dry while young, will rapidly go to seed. Sow seeds directly every inch with 2’ between rows. Thin to 4” to 6” apart. Floating row covers are useful. Begin taking leaves 30 to 40 days after germination. Smaller and younger leaves are usually milder than larger and more mature leaves. Leaves are stronger-flavored as plant begins to bolt, or if grown too dry or in soil that is not fertile enough.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Just as the European wild cabbage radiated into headed cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, the Far East mustard has radiated into mustards with cabbage-like heads, with knobby swollen stems, enlarged leaf stalks, enlarged roots, and myriad leaf form options.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
Flea beetles, caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs are the most frequent pests.
Uses:
Young plants or leaves can be used raw in salads or steamed or stir-fried when more mature.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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