How to Grow Red Giant Mustard
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Red Giant Mustard
Brassica juncea var. integrifolia
vegetableRed Giant is a Japanese mustard green with large, deeply frilled burgundy-red leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's a cool-season brassica prized for both its ornamental appearance and culinary versatility. The plant grows quickly and is excellent for salads, stir-fries, and cooked greens.
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Example Red Giant Mustard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Giant Mustard
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 Red Giant Mustard
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Giant Mustard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in cool seasons; zones 5-9 ideal, but can be grown in cooler zones as spring/fall crop
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Get my Red Giant Mustard timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysSmall cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves with slight reddish tint
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves develop.
Vegetative
15-20 daysPlant develops 4-8 true leaves; red coloring becomes more pronounced. Plant grows rosette-like form.
Maintain consistent moisture and moderate nitrogen. Thin to final spacing if not already done. Monitor for pests.
Leaf Development
10-15 daysFrilly outer leaves expand significantly and deepen in color to dark burgundy-red. Plant reaches harvestable size.
Continue even watering. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 6-8 inches. This encourages continued growth.
Mature/Harvest
5-10 daysPlant reaches full size with multiple large, deeply frilled leaves forming a loose head. Flavor is mildest at full maturity.
Harvest outer leaves regularly. Cool weather extends harvest period. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. Provide afternoon shade in warm climates to delay bolting.
Bolting
Varies with temperatureCenter begins to elongate and flower buds form. Leaves become tougher and more bitter.
Harvest promptly before this stage if mild flavor is desired. In cool conditions, this stage can be delayed significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant trap crops like radishes nearby. Avoid overhead watering.
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Use row covers until flowering. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Remove crop debris promptly.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Encourage ground beetles. Use copper barriers or diatomaceous earth around plants.
Uses
Raw Salads & Microgreens
CulinaryThe tender, mild leaves are excellent raw in salads, adding color and a subtle peppery kick. Red Giant is also popular as a microgreen for its nutritious, visually striking shoots. [source]
Stir-fries & Cooked Dishes
CulinaryLightly sauté or stir-fry the leaves as a side dish, similar to other Asian greens. The leaves soften with cooking while retaining their mild mustard flavor. [source]
Glucosinolates & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalLike all mustard greens, Red Giant contains glucosinolates, compounds that research suggests have potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Raw consumption maximizes these compounds. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, Red Giant produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The seed heads also support beneficial insects. [source]
Ornamental Edible Landscaping
HouseholdThe striking deep-red frilly foliage makes Red Giant an attractive addition to ornamental borders and edible landscapes, providing both visual interest and food. [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 once they reach 6-8 inches long, typically 3-4 weeks after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the outside in, leaving the center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. The plant will continue producing new leaves for 2-4 weeks. For whole-plant harvest, cut at soil level when fully mature. Best flavor occurs in cool weather (50-65°F); heat accelerates bolting and bitterness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Giant mustard originated in Japan and is sometimes called 'Aka Takana' in Japanese cuisine; it's a staple in many Asian markets and restaurants.
- 🌱 The deep red color comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds found in blueberries and red cabbage, which are powerful antioxidants.
- 🌱 Red Giant bolts more slowly than many other mustard varieties when grown in cool weather, extending the harvest window by several weeks compared to regular mustard greens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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