Mustard greens
Brassica juncea
Also known asBrown mustard · Indian mustard · Sarson · Gai choy · Leaf mustard
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 5–10 (winter low around -29°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: light.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of nitrogen. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A fast, productive hydroponic green for cool to moderate conditions. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 12–24°C (cool-season; heat above 26°C makes the greens unpleasantly bitter and pungent). Moderate light (DLI 12-18 mol/m2/day). NFT, DWC, raft, or media bed systems. From seed to baby leaf: 3-4 weeks. Full-sized: 5-7 weeks. Cut-and-come-again harvesting works well: take outer leaves while the center continues producing. The peppery heat is milder in baby leaves (useful for salad mixes) and stronger in mature leaves (better for cooking). Red and purple varieties ('Red Giant', 'Ruby Streaks') add dramatic color to salad blends. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Flea beetles are the most common pest. For commercial hydroponic salad mix producers, mustard greens add the spicy element that differentiates a premium mix from bland baby spinach.