SoCal Home Gardening

Mustard Greens

Spicy flavor, fast-growing.

Information on Growing Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are wonderful vegetables to grow in a home garden as they are relatively easy to cultivate and offer a plethora of health benefits. Here is a detailed guide on how to successfully grow mustard greens:

1. Choosing the Right Variety: The first step in growing mustard greens is selecting the right variety for your taste and growing conditions. Common varieties include Green Wave, Ruby Streaks, Mizuna, and Tendergreen. Consider factors such as taste preference, growth habits, and maturation time when choosing a variety.

2. Selecting the Planting Spot: Mustard greens prefer full sun to partial shade, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Make sure the soil is well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Mustard greens can tolerate various soil types, but they thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6-7.

3. Preparing the Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or unwanted vegetation. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's nutrient content and drainage. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of around 6-8 inches.

4. Sowing the Seeds: Mustard greens can be directly sown in the garden or started indoors for transplanting later. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in seed trays or small pots 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Otherwise, sow the seeds directly into the prepared soil once the soil has warmed up to around 50�F (10�C). Plant the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them around 3-4 inches apart. Leave a space of about 12-18 inches between rows.

5. Watering: Mustard greens require consistent moisture to ensure healthy growth. Water the plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases. Instead, use a drip irrigation system or water at soil level. On average, mustard greens need around 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

6. Fertilizing: Incorporate a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil before planting. Additionally, side dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer two to three weeks after planting to encourage vigorous leaf growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to more foliage and less flavor. Regularly monitor the plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies and adjust the fertilization accordingly.

7. Thinning and Care: Once the mustard greens reach a height of around 2-3 inches, thin them to ensure proper spacing and optimize growth. Thin the plants to 6-8 inches apart, allowing enough space for proper airflow and to discourage diseases. Regularly weed the garden bed, but take care not to disturb the shallow roots of mustard greens. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

8. Pests and Disease Management: Mustard greens are generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars. Use physical barriers, organic insecticides, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to manage pest problems. Proper spacing and good airflow can also help prevent diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew. If necessary, treat fungal diseases with organic fungicides.

9. Harvesting: Mustard greens can be harvested at any stage of growth, depending on your preference. For baby greens, harvest the leaves when they are small and tender, generally around 20-30 days after sowing. For mature greens, wait until the plants reach a height of 8-12 inches, then snip off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and ensures a continuous supply of greens.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of nutritious mustard greens right from your home garden. Experiment with different varieties and cooking methods to fully appreciate the delicious flavors of this versatile vegetable. Happy gardening!

Mustard Greens Varieties

See All Mustard Greens Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.