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 1.2-2.4 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 12–24°C (cool-season; heat above 26°C turns the greens unpleasantly bitter and pungent). Moderate light (DLI 12-17 mol/m2/day). NFT, DWC, raft or media-bed systems all work. From seed to baby leaf: 3-4 weeks. Full-sized: 5-7 weeks. Cut-and-come-again harvesting works well: take the outer leaves while the centre keeps producing. The peppery heat is milder in baby leaves (useful for salad mixes) and stronger in mature leaves (better cooked). Red and purple types ('Red Giant', 'Ruby Streaks') add colour to blends. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Flea beetles are the most common pest. For commercial salad-mix growers, mustard greens supply the spicy element that lifts a premium mix above plain baby spinach.