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
Is mizuna spicy like other mustard greens?
Mizuna has a very mild, subtle peppery flavor compared to other mustards. Baby leaves are especially mild and perfect for salads. The flavor is more earthy-peppery than hot-spicy, making it accessible to those who find other mustard greens too strong.
How many times can I harvest mizuna?
With cut-and-come-again harvesting (cutting 2 inches above soil), you can get 3-4 full harvests from a single planting. Each regrowth is slightly faster than the original growth. Plants will eventually bolt, especially in warm weather.
Can I grow mizuna indoors?
Yes! Mizuna is excellent for indoor growing. Its shallow roots work well in windowsill containers. Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct light or use grow lights. It's one of the easiest Asian greens to grow indoors year-round.
When is the best time to plant mizuna?
Plant mizuna in early spring (4-6 weeks before last frost) or late summer for fall harvest. It handles light frost well. Unlike many Asian greens, mizuna tolerates some summer heat, so you can extend growing into early summer with afternoon shade.
