How to Grow Mizuna Red Russian
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Mizuna Red Russian
Brassica juncea var. japonica × Brassica napus subsp. pabularia
vegetableMizuna Red Russian is a hybrid Asian leafy green combining the delicate, feathery fronds of mizuna with the purple-red coloring and robust flavor of red Russian kale. This fast-growing brassica offers both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility, with tender, nutty-flavored leaves ideal for salads, stir-fries, and cooking. It tolerates cool weather exceptionally well and can be harvested at multiple stages from microgreens to mature plants.
When should you plant Mizuna Red Russian in your zone?
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Example Mizuna Red Russian timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mizuna Red Russian
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Mizuna Red Russian
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mizuna Red Russian dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; also grows well in cooler parts of zones 3 and 9
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Get my Mizuna Red Russian timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 4-8 days with cool soil (ideal 60-70°F). First true leaves appear within 10-14 days, developing the characteristic feathery leaf structure.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (indoors or outdoors). Thin seedlings to final spacing once first true leaves appear. Handle gently—leaves are fragile.
Early Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple feathery fronds with purple-red coloring becoming more prominent. Leaves are soft and tender, ideal for baby leaf harvesting.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool soil temperature (below 75°F). Begin light harvesting of outer leaves if desired. Monitor for flea beetles and apply row covers if needed.
Mid-Vegetative/Bolting Stage
1-2 weeksPlant reaches 8-12 inches tall with fuller leaf rosette. Purple-red coloring deepens. Leaves remain tender but grow larger. Plant may begin to show stress or bolt in hot weather.
Continue consistent watering. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage bushiness and delay bolting. Provide afternoon shade in areas with temperatures above 80°F.
Mature/Harvest Ready
1-3 weeks (can extend with successive harvests)Plant reaches full size (12-18 inches) with abundant feathery fronds. Leaves are tender with nutty flavor. Purple-red coloring is most vibrant.
Harvest outer leaves continuously for extended production. Keep harvesting to prevent bolting. Can pull entire plant when mature if desired.
End of Season/Bolting
Variable (signals end of harvest window)Plant sends up flower buds and stems as temperatures rise or daylength increases. Leaves become tougher and more bitter.
Harvest all remaining leaves before flowering. In cool climates, can prevent bolting longer with shade cloth. If bolting occurs, remove plant and replant succession crop.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers at planting. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant trap crops of radish or mustard nearby.
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Install row covers. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick worms when visible.
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Spray forceful water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days.
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and
Remove debris and mulch where they hide. Set beer traps. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Raw Greens
CulinaryThe tender, feathery leaves add delicate texture and subtle nutty flavor to salads. Baby leaves are especially prized for fresh eating and provide nutritional density with minimal bitterness. [source]
Stir-Fries & Cooked Dishes
CulinaryMature leaves withstand heat well and are excellent in Asian stir-fries, soups, and sautés. The feathery structure cooks down quickly, creating a tender side dish with sweet, nutty undertones. [source]
Microgreens & Sprouts
CulinaryMizuna is an excellent microgreen crop, ready to harvest in 10-14 days. The delicate fronds and mild flavor make it ideal for garnishes and nutrient-dense additions to smoothies and plates. [source]
Glucosinolate & Antioxidant Content
MedicinalAs a brassica, Mizuna Red Russian contains glucosinolates and sulforaphane precursors linked to anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-fighting properties. Also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and dietary fiber. [source]
Ornamental Garden Border
HouseholdThe purple-red coloring and feathery fronds make this plant visually striking in vegetable gardens and landscape borders, adding color and texture to mixed beds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant reaches 4-6 inches tall (approximately 20-25 days). Cut outer leaves at soil level with scissors, leaving inner growth point intact for continued harvests. Can perform multiple harvests every 7-10 days. For mature whole plant harvest, cut at base when 12-18 inches tall. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. Leaves are most tender in cool weather; harvest before temperatures exceed 80°F consistently, as plant will bolt and leaves become bitter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mizuna originated in Japan where it has been cultivated for centuries; 'mizuna' means 'water vegetables' in Japanese, reflecting its preference for consistent moisture.
- 🌱 The feathery fronds of mizuna are so delicate and attractive that the plant is sometimes grown purely for ornamental purposes in flower arrangements and decorative garden displays.
- 🌱 Red Russian kale heritage comes from Russian and Ukrainian cultivation, and when crossed with mizuna, combines cold-hardiness with the rapid growth and tender texture of Asian greens—a truly international hybrid.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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