When to Plant Mustard Greens in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow year round in Brisbane. That includes right now, in September.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Mustard Greens guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Mustard greens are fast-growing, peppery brassica greens available in a stunning range of leaf forms and colours, from the broad, purple-red 'Red Giant' to the lacy, golden 'Golden Frills'. They add spice and colour to salads and stir-fries. Faster than kale and more flavourful than mizuna, they fill the gap between mild Asian greens and spicy rocket.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

You can sow mustard greens in any month in Subtropical, but the months are not equal. Summer heat brings faster bolting and heavier pest pressure, so pick a heat tolerant variety, sow little and often, and give afternoon shade from December through February.

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–35°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Mustard Greens in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

February-September. Best March-July. Can extend into warmer months with shade and regular harvesting.

Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with compost. Not fussy about soil type. Performs well in average garden soil.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun in cool weather. Part shade in warm weather to reduce bolting and excessive pungency.
Spacing
25cm apart, 35cm between rows
Watering
Consistent moisture for tender, mild leaves. Drought stress increases pungency and toughness. Water deeply 2-3 times per week.

Companion plants: Lettuce, Celery, Onion, Peas, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Other brassicas if disease present

Subtropical Growing Tips for Mustard Greens

Recommended Varieties

  • Red Giant
  • Golden Frills
  • Green Wave
  • Osaka Purple
  • Southern Giant Curled

Key Challenges

  • Bolts from August onwards
  • Flea beetles in warm weather
  • Pungency intensifies with heat

Pro Tips

  • Red Giant and Golden Frills add beautiful colour to winter salad gardens
  • Grow for baby leaf in warm months, full-size in cool months
  • Mix varieties for a stunning visual display in the garden bed

Harvesting Mustard Greens

When ready: Baby leaf: 10-15cm (3-4 weeks). Full size: 30-40cm (5-8 weeks). Leaves should be fresh and undamaged. Young leaves are milder.

How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: cut 3cm above ground for regrowth. Or pick individual outer leaves. Harvest before flower stalk appears.

Common Mustard Greens Pests in Subtropical Zones

Caterpillars and Aphids, risk: MODERATE (score: 51/100)

Organic prevention: Net from sowing. Inspect regularly.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

The pest most likely to find your mustard greens: Cabbage White Butterfly.

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Common Questions About Mustard Greens

When do you plant mustard greens in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does mustard greens grow all year round in Brisbane?

Yes, every month is on the calendar for the Subtropical zone, though not every month is equally easy.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.