When to Plant Mizuna in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide

Mizuna

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Mizuna is a fast-growing Japanese mustard green with distinctive feathery, serrated leaves and a mild, slightly peppery flavour. It is one of the easiest and fastest Asian greens to grow, ready to harvest as baby leaf in 3-4 weeks. More bolt-resistant than many Asian greens, it can be grown year-round in most Australian zones with successive sowings.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 6.4°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

How to Grow Mizuna in Cold / Highland Australia

When to Plant

October-March. Short season but fast growth means 2-3 crops possible.

Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. Not fussy about soil type but performs best in loose, moisture-retentive ground.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun in cool weather. Part shade (afternoon) in warm weather to prevent bolting and bitterness.
Spacing
25cm apart, 30cm between rows
Watering
Keep consistently moist. Light, frequent watering suits shallow roots. Drought stress triggers bolting and bitterness. Drip or soaker hose ideal.

Companion plants: Lettuce, Radish, Carrot, Peas, Beans

Avoid planting near: Other brassicas if disease is present

Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Mizuna

Recommended Varieties

  • Standard green mizuna

Key Challenges

  • Frost damages leaves (but plants recover from light frost)
  • Short season

Pro Tips

  • Fast growth means it can produce even in short highland seasons
  • Frost cloth extends season
  • Excellent crop for cold frame or polytunnel year-round

Harvesting Mizuna

When ready: Baby leaf: 10-15cm tall (3-4 weeks). Full size: 30-40cm (5-7 weeks). Leaves should be bright green, fresh, and tender.

How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: cut leaves 3cm above ground level and they will regrow 2-3 times. Or harvest individual outer leaves. Or pull entire plant for one large harvest.

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