How to Grow Mustard Spinach

Mustard Spinach

Brassica juncea var. integrifolia

vegetable

Mustard spinach is a leafy Asian green that combines the tender texture of spinach with the peppery, mustard-like flavor of mustard greens. It grows quickly, producing deeply lobed or frilly leaves that are rich in vitamins and minerals. This cool-season crop thrives in spring and fall, making it an excellent addition to salads and stir-fries.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water 1-2 inches per week; more frequent watering in hot weather to prevent bolting

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-50 days

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Well-rotted manure Peat moss or coco coir

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cooler temperatures in spring and fall

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-10 days

Tiny cotyledons emerge with true leaves appearing shortly after. Plants are delicate and low to the ground.

Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from heavy rain or overhead watering.

Vegetative Growth

15-25 days

Lobed or frilly leaves develop and expand rapidly. Plant reaches 4-6 inches in height with multiple leaf clusters forming.

Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Leaf Development

10-15 days

Mature leaves become deeply cut or lobed with a vibrant green color. Plant becomes full and bushy.

Begin light harvesting of outer leaves. Monitor for pests. Ensure adequate water during dry spells.

Peak Harvest

7-14 days

Plant is fully developed with abundant tender leaves ready for harvest. Leaves are flavorful and at optimal texture.

Harvest regularly by removing outer leaves to encourage continued production. Cool weather extends this stage.

Bolting

Varies by temperature

Central stem elongates and flower buds begin to form. Leaves may become bitter and tougher.

Harvest immediately if planning to use for greens. Plant is past peak quality; consider succession planting for continuous harvest.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Spinach Radish Carrot Beet Onion Garlic Pea Dill Chamomile

Avoid planting near:

Tomato Pepper Eggplant Fennel Kohlrabi Strawberry

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain adequate moisture to reduce plant stress.
Hand-pick caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Install row covers to exclude adult moths.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Ensure good air circulation. Remove affected leaves promptly. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide if needed.
and
Remove by hand, especially at night. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Set beer traps or remove shelter debris.

Uses

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Stir-fries and Asian cuisine

Culinary

Mustard spinach's peppery flavor and tender texture make it ideal for wok cooking, where it softens beautifully while retaining a slight bite. It's a staple in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. [source]

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Fresh salads and raw preparations

Culinary

Young tender leaves add peppery complexity to salads and can be used in place of arugula or spinach. The frilly texture adds visual interest to salad mixes. [source]

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Nutritional and anti-inflammatory benefits

Medicinal

Mustard spinach is high in vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and iron. Brassicas contain glucosinolates that may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Soups and braised dishes

Culinary

The hearty leaves hold up well when cooked in broths, curries, and braised vegetable dishes, adding both nutrition and distinctive flavor. [source]

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Juice and smoothies

Household

Mustard spinach can be blended into green juices and smoothies to add minerals, vitamins, and a nutritional boost with subtle peppery notes. [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 plants are 4-6 inches tall, approximately 30-40 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the outside working inward to encourage continued growth. Morning harvest yields the crispest leaves. Cut leaves will regrow for multiple harvests over 2-3 weeks. Harvest before bolting occurs, which is triggered by sustained warm temperatures. For baby greens, harvest entire plant at 2-3 weeks; for mature leaves, harvest selectively over time.

Fun Facts

🌱 Mustard spinach is not actually a spinach at all—it's a member of the Brassica family (along with cabbage, broccoli, and kale), making it more closely related to mustard greens.
🌱 In Japan, mustard spinach is called 'takana' and has been cultivated for centuries as a prized winter and early spring vegetable.
🌱 This fast-growing green is one of the quickest cool-season crops to mature, often ready to harvest in just 3-5 weeks, making it perfect for succession planting and extending the harvest season.

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