Tue 6 Jan 2009
Plants of mustard grow knee high in 35 to 45 days and develop large, wide leaves. Cool weather improves the flavor. During hot weather the peppery tang to the greens can become strong, especially for the older leaves. Once the flowering has started, it is useless to snap the tops off in the hope that new crops of leaves will form. Flowering is your signal to wait until cooler weather to plant a new batch of seeds.
How to plant
Mustard seeds sprout reliably in cool soil. The plants thrive in cool weather but quickly go to seed in the heat of summer. As early in the spring as the soil can be worked, plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. Thin plants to stand 2 to 3 feet apart. Eat the thinnings. Plant again in late summer. In mild winter areas, plant again in fall and winter.
Care
Fertilize lightly when seeds are planted. Water frequently and generously.
Harvesting
Pull plants only when thinning. Otherwise, snap off leaves, leaving the growing tip to produce replacements. Leaves of 3 to 4 inches in length are tender enough to use in salads. Stringy stems are usually trimmed off larger leaves before the leaves are cooked. Light frosts don’t bother mustard; harvests can continue until heavy freezes wipe out the plants.
In containers
Fill boxes or pots with at least 6 inches of loose soil. Harvest outer leaves as you can use them.
