When to Plant Mustard Greens in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Sow January to November. Right now in September you can sow.

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 Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane 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 Tropical

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 = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Mustard Greens sowing time in Cairns?

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.4°C (optimal range: 10–35°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Cairns), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Mustard Greens in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

March-August (dry season). Will bolt in warm/long-day conditions. Harvest young.

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

Tropical Growing Tips for Mustard Greens

Recommended Varieties

  • Red Giant (handles some heat)
  • Green Wave
  • Tendergreen

Key Challenges

  • Bolts quickly in heat
  • Pest pressure
  • Pungency increases with heat stress

Pro Tips

  • Harvest as baby leaf (3-4 weeks) for best flavour and to avoid bolting
  • Provide afternoon shade
  • Insect netting recommended

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 Tropical Zones

Caterpillars and Aphids, risk: MODERATE (score: 45/100)

Organic prevention: Net from sowing. Inspect regularly.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

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 Cairns?

No. In the Tropical zone the planting months are Jan to Nov. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

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 Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.