Mizuna
Brassica rapa var. nipposinica
Family: Brassicaceae
Mizuna is a Japanese mustard green with beautiful, feathery, deeply serrated leaves and a mild, peppery flavor. Extremely fast-growing and cold-tolerant, it's a versatile green perfect for salads, stir-fries, and soup. Its delicate appearance belies its hardy nature.
Days to Harvest
21-45 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
60°F optimal
Start Indoors
3 weeks before last frost
Germination
3-7 days
Seed Depth
1/4 inch
Light to Germinate
No
💡 Tip: One of the easiest greens to grow. Germinates quickly and can be harvested very young.
Soil Type
Average, well-draining soil
pH Range
6 - 7.5
Spacing
4-6 inches for full plants, 1 inch for baby greens
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Mizuna has been cultivated in Japan for centuries and is a traditional ingredient in Japanese cuisine, particularly in nabemono (hot pot dishes) and pickles. It has become increasingly popular in Western cuisine as part of gourmet salad mixes.
Nutritional Benefits
- ✓High in Vitamins A and C
- ✓Good source of Vitamin K
- ✓Contains folate
Optimal Growing Temp
50°F - 70°F
Mizuna thrives in cool temperatures (50-70°F) but is remarkably adaptable. Tolerates light frost and brief heat better than most Asian greens. Fast growth allows harvest before extreme temperatures become problematic.
Survival Range
25°F - 80°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Tolerates light frost (25-32°F) and can survive temperatures in the low 20s briefly. Fall frost sweetens flavor. Spring frost rarely harms established plants.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-60%
Adaptable to various humidity levels. Good air circulation prevents disease in dense plantings.
Height
8-12 inches
Spread
8-10 inches
Growth Habit
upright
Germination
4-8 days
Quick germination in cool soil. Can direct sow or start indoors.
Seedling Stage
Duration: 2 weeks
True leaves: Feathery leaves appear quickly.
Transplant ready: Thin to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Rapid leaf production. Baby greens ready in 21 days.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 35-45 days from seed
- Full rosette of feathery leaves ready for full harvest
Per Plant
4-8 oz of leaves per plant
Per Square Foot
8-12 oz when planted at 4-inch spacing
Harvest Frequency
Cut-and-come-again every 5-7 days
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Fast growth
- •Cool temperatures
- •Consistent moisture
- •Multiple cuttings possible
Seedling Stage
Daily light watering to keep surface moist
Established Plants
Every 2-3 days, maintaining even moisture
Preferred Method
Water gently at soil level. Avoid overhead watering which can damage delicate leaves.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Germination
- • Hot weather
- • During rapid leaf production
Pro Tips
- Consistent moisture produces tender, mild leaves
- Feathery leaves wilt quickly without adequate water
- Mulch to retain moisture in summer
- Morning watering allows foliage to dry
Feeding Schedule
Organic Options
Mix compost into soil at planting. Optional light liquid feed mid-season.
Minimum Size
4 inch pot for single plant
Recommended Size
12-inch pot or window box for multiple plants
Depth Required
6 inches minimum
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- One of the best greens for containers
- Shallow roots thrive in window boxes
- Beautiful feathery texture adds ornamental value
- Can grow indoors near sunny window
- Perfect for balcony and patio gardens
Why Prune
When
Begin harvesting at 3-4 inches for baby greens, any time after for mature leaves
How Often
Every 5-7 days for continuous harvest
Technique
Cut outer leaves at base, or cut entire plant 2 inches above soil for regrowth
Remove
- ✗ Outer mature leaves
- ✗ Any yellowing foliage
- ✗ Flower stalks immediately
Keep
- ✓ Growing center
- ✓ Young developing leaves
Plant Every
2-3 weeks
Sowings/Season
5-7 sowings
Duration
Spring through early summer, then fall
Tips
- Fast growth (21-45 days) makes frequent succession planting easy
- Start 4-6 weeks before last frost for earliest harvest
- More heat-tolerant than most Asian greens—can grow into early summer
- Resume 8 weeks before first fall frost
