How to Grow and Care for Mustard Plants
Planting
Mustard is a cool-weather crop that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the spring or fall, but fall plantings usually produce better quality mustard greens.
To plant mustard, sow the seeds 1 inch apart and ¼ to ½ inch deep in a prepared garden bed. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. At temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees, the seeds germinate in 4 to 14 days.
When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, start thinning them out to 4 to 6 inches apart. As the plants grow, increase the spacing between them. Aim for 12 to 18 inches of space between large varieties and 6 to 10 inches between smaller, leaf-type varieties.
Care
Mustard plants are relatively easy to care for, but they do require regular watering and fertilization.
- Watering: Mustard plants need about 1 inch of water per week, but more frequent watering may be necessary in dry conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize mustard plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when they are about 3 to 4 inches tall. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct amount to apply.
Other important care tips for mustard plants include:
- Mulching: Mulching around mustard plants helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Weed control: Mustard plants are not very competitive with weeds, so it is important to keep the area around them weed-free.
- Pest and disease control: Mustard plants are not affected by many serious pests or diseases, but they can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. If these pests become a problem, treat the plants with an appropriate insecticide or pesticide.
Harvesting
Mustard greens can be harvested when they are young and tender, or they can be allowed to mature for a more intense flavor. To harvest mustard greens, cut the leaves at the base of the plant. You can harvest the leaves repeatedly throughout the growing season.
Mustard seeds are ready to harvest when the seed pods turn from green to brown. Cut off the branches with the mature seed pods and place them on a tray to dry. Once the seed pods are completely dry, they can be threshed to remove the seeds.
Mustard Plant Varieties
There are many different varieties of mustard plants, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Brown mustard: This is the hottest mustard variety, with a strong, pungent flavor. It is used to make Dijon-type mustards, Chinese hot mustards, and curries.
- White mustard: Also known as yellow mustard, this variety has a milder flavor than brown mustard. It is used to make prepared mustard and is also grown for its greens.
- Black mustard: This variety has a moderately spicy flavor and is used to make Dijon-style mustard and Southeast Asian dishes.
Mustard as a Cover Crop
In addition to being grown for its greens and seeds, mustard can also be used as a cover crop. Cover crops are plants that are grown to improve soil health. Mustard is a good cover crop because it helps to suppress weeds, fix nitrogen in the soil, and prevent erosion.
Tips for Growing Mustard
- To prevent bitterness in mustard greens, grow the plants in cool weather and avoid overwatering.
- To avoid flea beetles, plant mustard in the fall when populations are lower.
- To prevent mustard plants from bolting (developing flowers and going to seed), plant them early enough in the spring so that they reach maturity before the summer heat sets in.
- To prevent mustard plants from becoming invasive, remove the mature seed heads before they burst open.
