Mustard Southern Giant

Mustard Southern Giant is a fast-growing leafy green known for its bold, spicy flavor and large crinkled leaves. It is excellent for salads, sandwiches, sautés, soups, stir-fries, and Southern-style cooked greens. Mustard greens grow quickly in cool weather and can be harvested young for tender baby leaves or allowed to mature for larger, stronger-flavored greens. The seeds can also be grown as microgreens or carefully sprouted in jars.

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun is best, but mustard greens can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist for tender leaves and steady growth.
• Temperature: Mustard Southern Giant is a cool-season crop and grows best in mild temperatures.
• Growth Habit: Fast-growing leafy brassica with large, flavorful leaves.

Preparing for Growing

• Selecting a Planting Location: Choose a garden bed, raised bed, or container location with full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and mix in compost or aged organic matter before planting.
• Soil Quality: Mustard greens grow best in fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well.
• Soil pH: A slightly acidic to neutral soil range of about 6.0-7.5 is suitable.
• Container Preparation: If growing in containers, use pots with drainage holes and a quality potting mix enriched with compost.
• Season Planning: Plant in spring and fall for the best leaf quality. Hot weather can make leaves stronger, tougher, and more bitter.

Starting Mustard Southern Giant from Seeds Indoors

• When to Start: Start seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors for a spring crop. For a fall crop, start seeds in midsummer and transplant when temperatures begin to cool.
• Seed Preparation: No special seed preparation is needed. Mustard seeds can be sown dry.
• Choosing Containers: Use seed trays, cell packs, or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Sowing Indoors: Plant seeds about ¼-½ inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist until germination.
• Light: Place seedlings under grow lights or in a bright location to prevent weak, stretched growth.
• Thinning: If multiple seedlings sprout in one cell, thin to the strongest seedling.
• Transplanting to Larger Containers: If seedlings become crowded before outdoor planting, move them into larger pots to support healthy root growth.
• Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over several days.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

• When to Sow: Sow mustard seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds about ¼-½ inch deep.
• Seed Spacing: Sow seeds about 1 inch apart at first, then thin as seedlings grow.
• Final Plant Spacing: Thin plants to about 6 inches apart for baby greens or 12-18 inches apart for full-size plants.
• Row Spacing: Space rows about 12-18 inches apart, or plant in wide rows/raised beds with even spacing.
• Succession Planting: Sow small batches every 2-3 weeks during cool weather for a continuous harvest.
• Moisture: Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings are established.
• Protection: Row cover can help protect young plants from flea beetles, cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests.

Growing Mustard Southern Giant in Containers or Pots

• Container Size: Use a container at least 8-10 inches deep for baby greens or at least 12 inches deep for larger plants.
• Drainage: Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
• Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Mixing in compost can help support fast leafy growth.
• Sowing or Transplanting: Sow seeds directly in the container or transplant young seedlings once they have several true leaves.
• Spacing: For baby greens, plants can be grown closer together. For full-size Southern Giant leaves, thin plants to about 12 inches apart or more.
• Watering: Container-grown mustard dries out faster than garden-grown plants, so check soil moisture regularly.
• Feeding: Use compost-rich soil and apply a balanced fertilizer as needed to support continuous leaf production.
• Placement: Place containers in full sun during cool weather. In warmer climates, light afternoon shade helps maintain better leaf quality.

Growing Mustard Microgreens in Containers

Mustard seeds are excellent for growing as spicy, flavorful microgreens. Mustard microgreens are quick to grow and bring a zesty bite to salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, bowls, soups, eggs, and fresh garnishes. They are a great choice for indoor growing, small spaces, kitchen gardening, and year-round fresh greens.

• Container: Use a shallow tray or container about 1-2 inches deep with drainage holes. Place a solid tray underneath to catch excess water.
• Growing Medium: Fill the tray with seed-starting mix, coconut coir, or another clean microgreen growing medium. Moisten the medium before sowing.
• Seed Preparation: Mustard seeds do not need soaking for microgreens.
• Sowing: Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface. Sow densely, but avoid piling seeds on top of each other.
• Covering: Press seeds gently into the moist medium and cover the tray with another tray, lid, or breathable cover for the first 2-4 days to encourage even germination.
• Moisture: Mist gently or bottom-water as needed. Keep the medium moist but not soggy.
• Light: Once seeds sprout, remove the cover and place the tray under grow lights or near a bright window.
• Airflow: Good airflow helps prevent mold and keeps the crop healthy.
• Harvest Time: Mustard microgreens are usually ready in about 7-12 days, depending on temperature, light, and growing conditions.
• How to Harvest: Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the growing medium when they are a few inches tall and have opened their seed leaves.
• Best Uses: Add mustard microgreens to salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, grain bowls, soups, omelets, and fresh garnishes for a spicy mustard flavor.

Sprouting Mustard Seeds in Jars

Mustard seeds can be sprouted in jars, but they require careful rinsing, drainage, airflow, and cleanliness. Some mustard seeds may become slightly slippery when wet, so start with a small amount and avoid overcrowding the jar. For best results, use clean, untreated seeds intended for edible sprouting or microgreen use.

• Supplies Needed: Use a clean wide-mouth glass jar, a sprouting lid or cheesecloth, a rubber band or jar ring, and fresh drinkable water.
• Seed Amount: Add about 1-2 teaspoons of mustard seeds to the jar for your first batch. Do not overfill, because sprouts expand as they grow.
• Initial Rinse: Rinse seeds thoroughly with cool water before soaking.
• Soaking: Soak seeds for about 4-6 hours, then drain completely.
• Draining: After soaking, place the jar upside down at an angle so excess water can drain and air can circulate.
• Rinsing Schedule: Rinse and drain 2-3 times per day. Make sure no standing water remains at the bottom of the jar.
• Airflow: Keep the jar in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight during early sprouting.
• Reducing Clumps: After each rinse, gently rotate or shake the jar to spread seeds and reduce clumping.
• Light: Once small leaves appear, place the jar in indirect light for several hours to help the sprouts green up.
• Harvest Time: Mustard sprouts are usually ready in about 3-6 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.
• Final Rinse: Rinse thoroughly before eating and drain very well.
• Storage: Store finished sprouts in a clean container in the refrigerator and use them soon for best freshness.

Important Sprout Safety Tips

• Use Suitable Seeds: Use clean, untreated seeds intended for edible sprouting or microgreen use.
• Keep Everything Clean: Wash hands, jars, lids, trays, and surfaces before handling seeds or sprouts.
• Use Clean Water: Always rinse with fresh drinkable water.
• Drain Completely: Sprouts should stay moist, not waterlogged. Standing water can increase spoilage risk.
• Watch for Problems: Do not eat sprouts that smell unpleasant or appear slimy, moldy, or discolored.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Keep harvested sprouts refrigerated in a clean container.
• Extra Safety Note: Raw sprouts can carry food safety risks. People who are pregnant, elderly, very young, or immunocompromised should be especially cautious with raw sprouts.

Transplanting Mustard Southern Giant to the Garden

• Site Preparation: Prepare a sunny planting area with fertile, well-draining soil. Mix in compost before planting.
• Timing: Transplant mustard during cool weather. Avoid transplanting during extreme heat.
• Seedling Size: Transplant when seedlings have several true leaves and a healthy root system.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart for full-size Southern Giant leaves, or closer for baby leaf harvests.
• Planting Depth: Set transplants at the same depth they were growing in the tray, or slightly deeper if they are leggy, but do not bury the growing point.
• After Transplanting: Water thoroughly and keep soil evenly moist while plants establish.
• Mulching: Add a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures more stable.

Plant Care

• Watering: Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Dry soil can make leaves tougher, hotter, and more bitter.
• Fertilizing: Mustard greens grow quickly and benefit from fertile soil. Use compost or a balanced fertilizer as needed during active leaf growth.
• Weeding: Keep the growing area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Mulching: Mulch helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and keep roots cooler during warm weather.
• Pest Management: Watch for flea beetles, cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Row cover can help protect young plants.
• Disease Prevention: Provide good spacing and airflow. Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce leaf disease pressure.
• Heat Stress: Hot weather can cause bolting and stronger-tasting leaves. For best quality, grow mustard in cool seasons.

Harvesting Mustard Southern Giant

• Baby Leaf Harvest: Harvest young leaves when they are small and tender for salads and fresh use.
• Mature Leaf Harvest: Harvest larger leaves when they reach the desired size, usually about 4-6 weeks after planting under good conditions.
• Harvest Method: Cut outer leaves first and allow the center to keep growing, or cut the whole plant about 1 inch above the soil for regrowth.
• Continuous Harvest: Harvest regularly to encourage fresh new leaves and prevent plants from becoming too mature.
• Best Time of Day: Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and hydrated.
• Storage: Store harvested mustard greens in the refrigerator in a breathable bag or container. Use within several days for best flavor and texture.

When to Start Mustard Southern Giant by USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

• Zones 1-3: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for a spring crop. Sow again in midsummer for a fall harvest.
• Zones 4-6: Direct sow outdoors in early spring when soil can be worked, or start indoors for earlier harvests. Sow again in late summer for fall greens.
• Zones 7-8: Grow mustard greens in spring and fall. Fall planting often gives the best flavor and leaf quality.
• Zones 9-10: Mustard usually performs best as a fall, winter, or early spring crop. Avoid the hottest part of summer unless growing with shade and steady moisture.
• Zone 11: Grow mustard during the coolest months of the year. Provide afternoon shade and consistent water if temperatures rise.

Fast Facts

• Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
• Common Name: Mustard Greens
• Variety: Southern Giant Curled / Mustard Southern Giant
• Plant Type: Cool-season leafy green vegetable
• Planting Depth: ¼-½ inch
• Seed Spacing: About 1 inch, then thin as needed
• Final Plant Spacing: 6 inches for baby greens; 12-18 inches for full-size plants
• Row Spacing: 12-18 inches
• Container Depth: At least 8-10 inches for regular greens; 1-2 inches for microgreens
• Seeds per Pot: 2-3 seeds per small pot, then thin to the strongest seedling
• Water Preferences: Evenly moist soil; avoid waterlogging
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
• Soil pH: About 6.0-7.5
• Temperature Preference: Cool to mild weather, generally around 45°F to 75°F
• Days to Germination: About 4-10 days, depending on temperature and conditions
• Days to Harvest: About 30-45 days for baby or young leaves; longer for full-size leaves
• Microgreens Harvest: About 7-12 days
• Sprouts Harvest: About 3-6 days
• Companion Plants: Beets, carrots, onions, lettuce, celery, dill, thyme, and other cool-season crops