Growing Mustard greens, also gai choy

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P P P P P P P P P

(Best months for growing Mustard greens in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 5-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, camomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
12 Aug 19, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Eat them very which way! Young in salads, stir fries, soups, stock, and fermented in Kimchi. And here they are so easy to grow and save seed.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 13, Cecilia (Australia - temperate climate)
I use bok choy a lot, which may be cooked in similar ways. Usually: wash the leaves, shake or pat dry, shred leaves, lightly sauté in olive oil with some chopped garlic and/or ginger, add a small splash of liquid (something acidic like lemon juice, ver juice or left-over wine, a dash of mirin and tamari or fish sauce), cover and steam over moderate heat for a few minutes.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jul 13, Wayne (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy Mustard lettuce seeds or seedlings in Durban or the closest place to Durban?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 16, Doné (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Just got hold of mustard greens seed, packaged by Kirchhoffs (a popular seed supplier, stocked at most nurseries and co-ops, alongside other brands like Mayford and Starke Ayres). The package unfortunately doesn't say what type of mustard greens it is, but gauging by the image on the pack, I'd say it looks like Southern Giant Curled.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jun 13, Dianne Barnard (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where will I find Mustard Greens, either seedlings or seeds in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Many thanks Dianne Barnard 0836550562
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Apr 22, Thmbinkosi Mkhize (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try Shoprite. I am in Benoni though.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 13, Ally (Australia - temperate climate)
Do these guys need full sun or will they grow ok in shaded areas?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Aug 12, Frank Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
Am growing mustard to dig bach into the soil. My question is at what stage of plants should I pull and dig in. They have not yet flowered.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Aug 16, Rosemaria (Australia - temperate climate)
A friend just told me you dig them in just before they flower, If that helps, Frank.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Aug 12, Daryl Walter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
dig in before they flower
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 57 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Mustard greens

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.