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Holly's Homestead — Leafy Green

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 30–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20cm
Depth
0.5–1cm

01Peppery and productive

A fast, spicy leafy green that tolerates a wider range of conditions than lettuce or spinach — a good filler crop between slower vegetables.

02Planting

Method
Direct sow thinly.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow through cooler months for the mildest flavour; heat intensifies the pepperiness.

03Growing care

  • Keep soil evenly moist.
  • Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
  • Succession sow every few weeks.
  • Net if flea beetle pressure is high.

04Problems

  • Flea beetle — small holes in leaves; net young plants.
  • Bolting — heat stress; grow in cooler months.
  • Aphids — hose off.
  • Very hot flavour — usually from heat stress or over-maturity.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Leaves reach usable size, picked young to moderate.
Method
Cut outer leaves or the whole plant.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
OnionBeans
Avoid nearby
Other brassicas nearby
Rotation note
Rotate brassicas loosely on a 2–3 year cycle.