Image source: Pixabay

Mustard green is also consumed as microgreens. Mustard leaves have gained importance as leafy vegetables for their high nutrient content and high protein content. These plants are easy to grow at home gardens and can be harvested within a few weeks.

Quick Details of Mustard green

Other Common Names	Vegetable mustard, Chinese mustard, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, brown mustard, Oriental mustard.
Type	Annual leafy vegetable
Maintenance	Low
Flowering	Spring
Light	Bright direct sunlight
Water	When the soil turns dry.
Temperature	Warm climatic conditions
Soil	Well draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Fertilizer	A nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Habitat	Asia, India
Toxicity	Nil can be allergic to a few.
Common Diseases	Leaf spot, black rot, aphids, beetles
Scientific name	Brassica juncea

Mustard green seeds – Buying Instructions

• Buy healthy seeds.
• Buy seeds from authentic shop or brand for better germination rate.
• Mustard seeds from our kitchen can also be grown and consumed.

Overview of Mustard green

They are herbaceous leafy vegetables belonging to the family of Brassicaceae. They are native to India and Asia but are now widely grown all around the world. These plants can grow up to a height of 2 ft and mostly have green color large leaves with serrate or irregular margins. The leaves can also be purple or red in color. The leaves look crumbled. The plant’s flower during spring. The flowers are not encouraged until for collection of seeds.

Some of the common varieties of mustard green are:

Brown mustard (Brassica juncea), Black mustard (Brassica nigra), White mustard (Brassica alba).

These plants are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and K, and calcium. They are also a good source of protein, iron, and magnesium. These plants are low in calories and add enough dietary fiber.

Usage and Advantage of Mustard green / Mustard Leafs

• The leaves, stem and seeds are consumed as a vegetable.
• The plant is used in phytoremediation.
• The plant is also used as a mulch.

General Care for Mustard green

Soil:

They prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with proper air circulation. They prefer soil with slight acidity.

Water:

They do not require much watering. Water the plants when the soil starts to get dry. Deepwater the plant’s once a week.

Sunlight:

These plants thrive best under bright direct sunlight. In case of harsh climatic conditions make sure to shift it to shade and places away from harsh wind.

Temperature:

They prefer warm climatic conditions with any level of humidity. The plants can thrive in both cold and warm conditions.

Special Care:

They do not require much care. However, mulch the soil to maintain moisture and to reduce the spread of soil-borne diseases. Remove the weeds as soon as it appears.

Fertilization:

Feed the plants with fertilizer before sowing the seeds. The plants thrive under rich organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen. Avoid overfeeding the plants. Add fertilizer once a week during the growing season.

Pests and other problems for Mustard green

These plants can be prone to pests and pathogens. Some of the commonly seen pests in mustards green are aphids, spider mites, beetles. These plants are also prone to a number of diseases. Some of the commonly seen diseases include:

Powdery mildew:

It is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen  Erysiphe cruciferarum. These are commonly seen when the humidity is high and there is excess moisture in the soil. The pathogens first infect the older leaves at the bottom and later spreads upwards. The infected leaves develop white patches that further develop into powdery substances. The infected leaves further turn yellow, wilt, and die.

Black spot:

It is a bacterial disease caused by the pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. The infected leaves develop yellow v-shaped lesions that further spread throughout. The center further turns brown and becomes black. The infected leaves then further wilt and die.

Xanthomonas leaf spot:

It is a bacterial disease caused by the pathogen Xanthimonas armoraciae. The infected parts of the plant develop circular small leaf spots. The spots develop and become brown in color with yellow borders. The spots can look watery or oily. The spots dry and the leaves turn brown and wilt. The plants become stunted and die.

The plants should be protected from any fungal disease especially during rains and under high humidity. Make sure not to overwater or underwater the plants. Avoid overhead watering and splashing water to the leaves. In case of any infection, spray neem oil or a mild fungicide. Under severe infections, get rid of the infected plant.

Propagation of Mustard green

Mustard greens are propagated through seeds. The seeds can either be sown directly in the ground or can be grown in pots or germination trays and later be transplanted. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix rich in nutrients. Make sure to provide a 1/2 inch distance between the seeds. Water them regularly and place them in places with bright direct sunlight. The seeds should start germinating within a few days.