Mustard Seeds - Early Mibuna
21-40 days to maturity. Brassica rapa var. japonica. Early Mibuna Mustard Seeds. Non-GMO, warm or cool-season, annual, heirloom. Similar to mizuna greens, mibuna mustard is a flavorful Japanese green strap leaf mustard with a mild mustard flavor. Although it is very similar to the mizuna plant, differentiate mibuna by its smooth, pointed leaves and distinct flavor. This traditional (heirloom) Japanese green vegetable, dento yasai, is cultivated in Mibu, Kyoto prefecture. An early open-pollinated variety, this vigorous grower produces a dense cluster of long, narrow, rounded, dark green leaves. Early Mibuna greens are a cold and heat-tolerant crop suitable for all gardens. Approx. 11,100 seeds / oz.
Mustard Seeds - Early Mibuna
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Other Common Names: Mibu greens, ren sheng cai, mibu-na.
How to Grow Early Mibuna Mustard
Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the final frost date, or start indoors for transplanting. Sow 5-6 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 4 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Sow every two weeks into autumn for a continuous harvest. Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outside for an early harvest. The flavor is best when grown in fertile soil and watered well. Work compost or mature manure into the earth to increase fertility and moisture retention. Early Mibuna is outstanding for undercropping and intercropping.
Thin the seedlings to 1 plant every 12 inches once true leaves establish. Do not worry about bolting unless high temperatures persist. Early Mibuna does well when grown in containers and unheated greenhouses throughout the year. Some gardeners have begun using this plant as a cover crop with success. With this crop, your imagination is your limit!
Harvesting Early Mibuna Mustard
Like lettuce, harvest large outer leaves while allowing smaller leaves to mature. Cut for baby leaves as early as 21 days. This variety is suitable for harvesting both as young and mature greens.
Culinary Tips
Young leaves are tender and used fresh for salads. More mature leaves are used for yosenabe, sukiyaki, ohitashi, and pickling. Early Mibuna is characteristic of fresh Japanese vegetables. Prepare this green as you would any mustard green.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I have learned that Early Mibuna is better for growing in warm conditions than other Early Mibuna varieties, although it does also have cold hardiness.”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 3 g packet - Approximately 1,200 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 11,100 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 44,400 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 177,600 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Brassica rapa var. japonica |
| Early Mibuna Mustard Color: | Vibrant green. |
| Early Mibuna Mustard Flavor: | Mild and distinct mustardy flavor, growing in intensity as it ages. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 21-40 |
| Days to Germination: | 4-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 6-8 inches |
| Plant Height: | 4-6 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Dense cluster of leafy greens. |
| Soil Preference: | Mustard plants adapt happily to numerous soil types, as long as they are fertile and retain water well. |
| Temperature Preference: | 25-90 F |
Other
| Plant Width: | 4-8 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Pests and diseases tend to stay away from Early Mibuna. Flea beetles, slugs, and occasionally caterpillars can be found. |