How to Grow Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens)
Wikimedia Commons
Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens)
Brassica juncea var. rugosa
vegetablePusa is a leafy green vegetable popular in Indian cuisine, known for its crinkled, dark green leaves and peppery flavor. It's a cool-season brassica that grows quickly and is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, C, and K. The plant is drought-tolerant and well-suited to organic farming practices.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens)
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideal in zones 6-9; grows best in fall and spring in warmer regions
Sign up free to see if Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysCotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with characteristic serrated edges
Keep soil moist and warm (60-70°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Protect from excessive heat.
Vegetative Growth
15-25 daysRapid leaf development with crinkled, dark green foliage. Plant becomes bushy and full
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure consistent moisture. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Leaf Development Peak
10-15 daysMaximum leaf production with full plant canopy. Leaves are tender and flavorful at this stage
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Monitor for pests. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer if needed.
Bolting (if allowed)
7-14 daysPlant sends up flowering stalks with yellow flowers. Leaves become tougher and more bitter
Harvest before bolting for best flavor, or allow bolting in spring for seed production. Cut flowers can be cooked as greens.
Seed Maturity (optional)
20-30 daysFlowers develop into elongated seed pods containing small brown or black seeds
Allow pods to dry on plant. Harvest when pods turn brown and papery. Thresh to collect seeds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on seedlings, apply neem oil, dust with diatomaceous earth, encourage beneficial insects
-
Spray with insecticidal soap, strong water spray, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs
-
Use fine mesh netting, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), remove affected leaves, encourage parasitic wasps
-
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, use sulfur sprays if needed
-
Thin plants for better airflow, water at soil level only, apply copper fungicide, remove infected foliage
Uses
Traditional Indian Greens
CulinaryPusa is a staple in Indian cuisine, used fresh in salads, sautéed with spices, or cooked into curries. The peppery leaves add depth to vegetable dishes and can be used in place of other mustard greens in any recipe. [source]
Nutritious Raw Ingredient
CulinaryRich in glucosinolates, vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. Young tender leaves are excellent in salads, providing a peppery kick with significant health benefits. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Health
MedicinalUsed in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for digestive health, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune support. Contains compounds believed to support detoxification. [source]
Seed Oil Production
HouseholdIf allowed to mature, Pusa seeds can be pressed to produce mustard seed oil, used in cooking and traditional medicine. Oils contain beneficial compounds like erucic acid. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeYellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Excellent for boosting pollinator populations in the garden when allowed to flower. [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, usually 30-40 days after planting. Pinch off leaves from the outside of the plant to encourage bushy growth and continued harvesting. Leaves are most tender when young. Harvest in early morning for best flavor and nutrition. Continue harvesting until plant bolts or becomes too bitter. For full plant harvest, cut at soil level when plant reaches desired size.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa mustard varieties were developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi and are now grown across South Asia and in diaspora communities worldwide.
- 🌱 Mustard greens contain more calcium per serving than milk, making them an excellent plant-based source of this essential mineral.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor of Pusa comes from glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that are also found in other brassicas and are believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pusa (Indian Mustard Greens) timeline →