Green Wave mustard is a large, upright variety with deeply frilled and finely cut leaves. It is known for its spineless texture and offers a spicy, hot flavor that is especially popular with commercial growers. As one of the darkest curly mustard greens, it stands out for its vibrant appearance and exceptional taste, making it an excellent choice for salads, stir-fries, and cooked dishes. Its slow-bolting nature ensures a steady harvest.
Mustard Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow mustard seeds outdoors in early spring, 2–4 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Mustard grows best in cool weather and can tolerate light frosts.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade. Mustard prefers loose, well-draining, and fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Mustard grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1–2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall to give plants room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start mustard seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50–75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and plants have 2–3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6–8 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Mustard
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, but mustard can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Mustard is a light feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting. If necessary, side-dress with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb mustard's shallow roots when weeding.
- Harvesting: Harvest mustard greens when the leaves are young and tender, typically 20–40 days after planting. Cut the outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. For mustard seeds, allow plants to flower and set seed, then harvest the seed pods when they turn brown and dry.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest.
