Are you looking to add some spicy, leafy greens to your garden? Mustard greens are a fast-growing, nutritious, and flavorful vegetable that can thrive in cooler climates. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, there are many varieties of mustard greens you can plant now to enjoy a harvest soon. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to 15 popular mustard green varieties that you can start growing today.
What Are Mustard Greens?
Mustard greens are the leaves of the mustard plant, which belongs to the Brassicaceae family, along with other leafy vegetables like cabbage and kale. These greens are known for their peppery flavor, making them an excellent addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, mustard greens are also a good source of fiber, calcium, and iron.
Mustard greens are hardy and easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for gardeners in most regions. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground, you’ll find that mustard greens can adapt to various growing conditions.
1. Red Giant Mustard
Red Giant Mustard is a vibrant, hardy variety known for its large, burgundy leaves and robust flavor. This variety thrives in cooler weather and can be harvested at both the baby leaf and mature stages. Red Giant is perfect for adding color and spice to salads and sautés.
2. Florida Broadleaf Mustard
One of the most popular varieties in the southern U.S., the Florida Broadleaf Mustard is well-suited for hot climates. It produces large, tender leaves that are mild and sweet compared to other mustard varieties. This variety is excellent for cooking, especially in Southern-style dishes.
3. Southern Giant Curled Mustard
Southern Giant Curled Mustard is a classic variety with frilled, ruffled leaves. This variety grows vigorously and can reach large sizes, making it perfect for cooking. It’s known for its slightly pungent taste and is a staple in Southern and soul food cuisine.
4. Chinese Mustard (Mizuna)
Mizuna, a type of Chinese mustard, has a milder flavor and delicate, feathery leaves. This variety is often used in Asian salads and stir-fries. It grows quickly and tolerates both heat and cold, making it a versatile addition to your garden.
5. Golden Frill Mustard
Golden Frill Mustard stands out with its finely cut, golden-yellow leaves. This variety has a milder flavor compared to other mustard greens and is perfect for garnishes, salads, and light sautés. It’s easy to grow and adds a splash of color to your garden.
6. Red Streaks Mustard
Red Streaks Mustard is a beautiful variety with deeply serrated leaves that have a purple-red tint. It has a mildly spicy flavor that makes it perfect for salads or as a garnish. This variety is cold-tolerant and grows well in both spring and fall.
7. Wasabi Mustard
For those who love a bit of heat, Wasabi Mustard is a fantastic choice. It has a spicy, wasabi-like flavor that adds a kick to salads and sushi rolls. Its vibrant green leaves are perfect for growing in a sunny garden bed or container.
8. Osaka Purple Mustard
Osaka Purple Mustard is a striking variety with dark purple leaves that turn more vibrant as they mature. The flavor is peppery and slightly pungent, making it a favorite in Asian cuisine. This variety is also heat-tolerant and grows well in warmer climates.
9. Dwarf Curled Mustard
As the name suggests, Dwarf Curled Mustard is a compact variety that grows well in smaller spaces, such as containers or raised beds. It has a mild, slightly spicy flavor and is great for adding to salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
10. Tokyo Bekana Mustard
Tokyo Bekana is a tender and mild mustard green that is perfect for salads or light stir-fries. This variety has smooth, frilled leaves and is prized for its delicate texture. It’s fast-growing and can be harvested early, making it ideal for quick-growing gardeners.
11. Shogoin Mustard
A Japanese variety, Shogoin Mustard has smooth, broad leaves with a sweet flavor. This mustard green is often used in pickling and salads. It grows well in cooler weather and can tolerate light frost, making it a great fall vegetable.
12. White Mustard
White Mustard is a versatile variety that produces tender, mild-flavored leaves. Unlike other mustard greens, it has a more subdued peppery flavor, which makes it a great choice for those who want a milder option. It is ideal for adding to soups, stews, and sandwiches.
13. Green Wave Mustard
Green Wave Mustard features curly, dark green leaves that are slightly crinkled. Known for its bold flavor, it is often used in cooking and garnishing. This variety is hardy and does well in both spring and fall gardens.
14. Jade Tiger Mustard
Jade Tiger Mustard is a tender, green variety that is great for those who enjoy a mild mustard flavor. The leaves are smooth and glossy, and it grows quickly, making it perfect for both spring and fall harvests. It’s ideal for fresh salads and light cooking.
15. Tendergreen Mustard
Tendergreen Mustard is a heat-tolerant variety that produces soft, smooth leaves. The flavor is mild and sweet, which makes it ideal for both raw and cooked dishes. This variety is perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance option that can handle both cool and warm climates.
Tips for Growing Mustard Greens
- Planting Time: Mustard greens grow best in cooler weather, so plant them in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Soil: They prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Spacing: Space seeds about 1 inch apart and thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth.
- Sunlight: Mustard greens prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
Conclusion
Mustard greens are an excellent vegetable to grow, offering a range of flavors, from mild to spicy. With these 15 varieties, you can find one that suits your taste and climate, ensuring a bountiful harvest for your garden. Whether you’re planting in the ground, raised beds, or containers, mustard greens are a versatile and nutritious choice for any gardener.
Grow your garden today and enjoy fresh, homegrown mustard greens all season long!