Goldlocki / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Mizuna
Brassica juncea var. rugosa
Overview
A mild, feathery Japanese mustard green that adds texture and gentle peppery flavor to salads and stir-fries. Mizuna is one of the most productive and resilient salad greens, capable of regrowing multiple times after cutting. It withstands heat better than most salad greens and tolerates light frost, making it a nearly year-round crop in many climates.
Mizuna (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) is a member of the Brassica genus, which includes a wide variety of plants known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, and brassicas. Like other members of this genus, Mizuna is characterized by its distinctive cross-shaped flowers and a strong, pungent aroma.
Growing Conditions and Care
Plants in the Brassica genus are typically cool-season crops, meaning they thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). They prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically falling within the range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Most Brassica species, including Mizuna, are highly versatile and can be grown in various forms, such as leaves, flowers, or seeds. The plants themselves can vary greatly in size, from compact greens to large, leafy heads like those found in cabbage varieties. However, specific height ranges for the genus are not universally applicable.
Appearance
Brassica crops are known for their ability to grow quickly and produce a high yield of edible parts. They are also relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established. The flowers of Brassica plants are typically cross-shaped, with four petals arranged in a cruciform pattern, giving the genus its name "cruciferous."
Uses
Members of the Brassica genus are rich in nutrients and have been cultivated for thousands of years due to their culinary versatility and nutritional value. They are often used in various dishes across different cultures and cuisines.
In summary, Mizuna is part of a diverse group of plants known as brassicas, which share common characteristics such as cool-season growth preferences, variable plant sizes, and cruciform flower structures. These plants are valued for their quick growth, high yield, and nutritional content, making them popular choices among gardeners and farmers alike.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost; very cold tolerant; fast growing |
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Late summer sow for fall harvest |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | May — Jun | Cut-and-come-again at 4-6" tall; feathery leaves mild and peppery |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Fall harvest; tolerates frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Direct sow early spring; succession sow every 2-3 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing; overwinters with protection in many areas |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Harvest outer leaves or cut whole plant 1" above crown |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Fall/early winter harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Sow late winter through spring; bolt resistant compared to other Asian greens |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Oct | Fall sowing for extended harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — May | Spring harvest; regrows 3-4 times from crown |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Dec | Fall through early winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall through early winter sowing |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Oct — Mar (wraps) | Harvest through cool season |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Cool-season crop; mild peppery flavor |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Feb (wraps) | Winter harvest; excellent salad green |
Uses
Culinary
- Raw in salads for mild peppery crunch
- Stir-fried or added to soups at the last minute
- Mixed into hot pot and ramen
Medicinal
- Rich in glucosinolates with cancer-protective properties
- High in vitamins A, C, and K
- Good source of folate and calcium
Other Uses
- Excellent cut-and-come-again salad crop for intensive gardening
