When to Plant Mizuna in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
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.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
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.
Common Mizuna Pests in Cold / Highland Zones
Organic prevention: Row covers from sowing. Maintain moist soil (flea beetles prefer dry conditions). Delay autumn sowing until cooler weather reduces beetle activity.
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