How to Grow Mustard Greens in Australia
A cool-season brassica crop for the home garden
Growing Mustard Greens rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, prolific producer used widely in Asian and Indian cooking.
This guide covers when to plant Mustard Greens in your region, the position and soil they like, how to sow and space them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Mustard Greens are a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland they are sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Mustard Greens part sun to light shade. They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 5 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 25 degrees.
Fast-growing Asian green. Harvest young for salads, mature for stir fries. Red Giant is a stunning ornamental edible.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Cabbage moth and Flea beetle. The main diseases to watch are Downy mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Mustard Greens are typically ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 4 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, mustard greens are good added to Asian stir-fries, pickled as a condiment (Chinese mei cai), used in Indian saag-style dishes and wilted into soups and curries. Nutritionally: excellent source of vitamins A, C and K and contains calcium and antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Mustard Greens grow well alongside Beetroot and Carrot. Keep them away from Tomato. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Mustard Greens Growing
Add mustard greens to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mustard Greens in Australia?
Mustard Greens are a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Mustard Greens take to grow?
Mustard Greens are generally ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks.
Can I grow Mustard Greens in a pot?
Yes. Mustard Greens grow well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Mustard Greens need?
Give they part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Mustard Greens in the Plant Library
