📋 Key Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Brassica juncea
- Plant Type: Annual
- Variety Type: Heirloom
- Growth Habit: Upright and leafy
- Mature Size: 12–18″ tall, 10–12″ spread
- Fruit Type: N/A (grown for leaves)
- Fruit/Flower Description: Bright green, frilly-edged leaves with crinkly texture; tiny yellow flowers if allowed to bolt
- Fruit Size and Weight: N/A
- Days to Germination: 4–10 days
- Days to Maturity/Harvest: 30–45 days (baby greens in 21 days!)
- Hardiness Zones: 3–9
- Ideal Growing Temperature: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
- Lowest Survivable Temperature: 20°F (-6°C)
🌞 Growing Information
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (especially in warmer zones)
- Ideal Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH
- Watering Needs: Consistent moisture; don’t let these leafy lovelies dry out
- Spacing: 6–12″ apart in rows 12–18″ apart
- Planting Depth: ¼” deep
- Ideal Planting Time: Early spring and late summer—this cool-season cutie loves to leaf out when the weather chills!
🌼 Planting & Care Tips
Curly Mustard is a real crowd-pleaser in the greens department—quick to grow, easy to harvest, and spicy enough to keep your tastebuds tap dancing. Succession sow every few weeks to keep a fresh crop rolling in. Keep it watered evenly to prevent bitterness, and mulch to keep the roots cool and the weeds jealous. Watch for flea beetles and cabbage worms—floating row covers work wonders, or try a dash of neem oil if things get buggy. Harvest outer leaves first or take the whole plant for a peppery punch!
Garden giggle: Why did the mustard plant get promoted? Because it always cut the mustard! 😄
🥗 Culinary or Ornamental Uses
Curly Mustard adds a zesty, horseradish-like zing to salads, stir-fries, soups, and sandwiches. Young leaves are tender and mild—perfect for tossing fresh—while mature greens bring the heat when sautéed. A southern classic when cooked with garlic, onion, and a touch of vinegar. And hey, those frilly green leaves aren’t just tasty—they’re garden glam too!
🌶️ Flavor notes: Spicy, sharp, peppery (especially when raw); mellow and savory when cooked.
🍽️ Top uses: Fresh salads, pickling, sautéed greens, southern dishes, Asian soups, and braising.
📌 Companion Plants & Recommendations
Curly Mustard makes a fabulous frilly friend to carrots, beets, onions, and dill. It helps repel pests when interplanted, and its quick-growing nature makes it a perfect catch crop between slower growers. Pair it with Eggdrasil’s rich compost mix or soil booster blend for lush leafy growth—your garden will be mustard-ing up some serious style.
🌿 Final pun: If you haven’t tried curly mustard yet… lettuce introduce you to your new favorite green! 🥬✨
🔖 Keywords & Tags
curly mustard, mustard greens, spicy greens, heirloom greens, quick harvest, cool-season greens, upright leafy vegetable, edible leaves, peppery greens, southern greens, cooking greens, salad greens, full sun, partial shade, beginner-friendly, easy-care, direct sow, container gardening, raised beds, spring planting, fall planting, frost-tolerant
📍 Local Pickup Information
This curly character is available exclusively for local pickup in Jonesboro, GA! We hand-pack every plant with love and leafy care—no wilted surprises here! Swing by and say hi to your fellow local green thumbs—where the gossip is juicy and the greens are zestier. 🥬🌞
