HeirloomContainer OK

Mustard Microgreens

Brassica juncea

Purple-tinted leaves with gently scalloped margins. Plant densely so leaves remain a proper size for baby leaf and petioles elongate for easy harvest. Somewhat spicy mustard flavor. Also available in organic seed.

Harvest

6-8d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

8–12

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Mustard Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Mustard Microgreens · Zones 8–12

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very Easy

SpacingBroadcast seeding, densely sown

SoilWell-draining microgreen mix, avoid overly rich soil

pH6.0-7.0

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorSharp, peppery, and pungent with intense mustard heat and slight bitterness

ColorBright green cotyledons on white to light green stems

Size1-2 inch stems with small round cotyledons

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Long pods with round, brown seeds. The fruits will dry and split when ripe. The seeds are harvested for use in condiments and oil.

Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Siliqua.

Garden value: Edible

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: The leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems of this mustard variety are edible raw or cooked. Harvested leaves can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh mustard microgreens maintain peak quality for 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. After harvesting, gently rinse in cool water to remove any growing medium, then thoroughly dry using a salad spinner or patting with paper towels. Even slight moisture accelerates spoilage.

Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Change the paper towels if they become damp. Keep refrigerated at 35-40°F—warmer temperatures cause rapid wilting and nutrient loss.

For longer preservation, consider dehydrating mustard microgreens at 95°F until completely crisp, creating a potent seasoning powder perfect for spice blends. The intense mustard flavor concentrates beautifully through dehydration. Freezing isn't recommended as the delicate cell structure breaks down, creating mushy texture upon thawing. However, frozen mustard microgreens work well blended directly into soups or smoothies where texture isn't critical.

History & Origin

Origin: Russia to central Asia

Advantages

+Attracts: The leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems of this mustard variety are edible raw or cooked. Harvested leaves can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
+Wildlife value: Bees are attracted.
+Edible: The leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems of this mustard variety are edible raw or cooked. Harvested leaves can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Radish

Both are brassicas with similar growing requirements and pest management needs

Lettuce

Complementary growth habits and can be harvested together in salad mixes

Arugula

Similar spicy flavor profile and identical growing conditions for microgreens

Chives

Natural pest deterrent that protects brassicas from aphids and flea beetles

Cilantro

Attracts beneficial insects and complements mustard's peppery flavor in culinary use

Spinach

Compatible growing requirements and harvest timing for mixed microgreen production

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects while repelling aphids that commonly attack brassica microgreens

Kale

Fellow brassica with identical nutrient and water requirements for microgreen production

Keep Apart

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of brassica family plants

Sunflower

Produces allelopathic chemicals that can stunt growth of nearby seedlings and microgreens

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that severely inhibits growth and can kill brassica plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

69kcal(3%)

Protein

1.5g(3%)

Fiber

5.3g(19%)

Carbs

17.6g(6%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

54.1mg(60%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Iron

1.61mg(9%)

Calcium

8mg(1%)

Potassium

304mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167782)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance due to rapid growth cycle

Common Pests

Flea beetles (rare indoors), aphids

Diseases

Virtually disease-free due to quick harvest time

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do mustard microgreens take to grow?▼

Mustard microgreens are ready to harvest in just 6-8 days from sowing, making them one of the fastest-growing microgreens available. They require a 2-3 day blackout period for germination, then 3-5 days under grow lights or bright indirect light before reaching harvest size.

Do mustard microgreen seeds need to be soaked before planting?▼

No, mustard seeds should not be soaked before planting. They germinate so quickly that soaking can actually cause them to rot before sprouting. Simply broadcast the dry seeds directly onto moist growing medium for best results.

What do mustard microgreens taste like?▼

Mustard microgreens have an intense, sharp peppery flavor with pungent mustard heat and slight bitterness. They're significantly spicier than radish microgreens and can serve as a wasabi substitute. The flavor is concentrated but not overwhelming when used in appropriate quantities.

Are mustard microgreens good for beginners?▼

Yes, mustard microgreens are excellent for beginners due to their fast growth, high germination rates, and disease resistance. They're forgiving of minor mistakes and don't require seed soaking or complex care routines. The quick 6-8 day harvest cycle provides rapid feedback for learning proper techniques.

Can you regrow mustard microgreens after cutting?▼

No, mustard microgreens cannot regrow after harvesting like some herbs. They must be replanted from seed for each harvest. However, their extremely fast 6-8 day growing cycle makes succession planting every few days practical for continuous harvests.

Why are my mustard microgreens getting moldy?▼

Mold typically results from overwatering, poor air circulation, or temperatures above 75°F. Water from the bottom rather than misting leaves, ensure good ventilation, and maintain temperatures between 60-75°F. Remove any affected areas immediately to prevent spread.