How to Grow Mustard
People have been using mustard as greens, and to spice up their food for
thousands of years. Its known as the "King of the Condiments".
Home gardeners love this easy, fast growing cool weather crop. The leaves
are great raw, in salads, or as a cooked greens. They are nutritious, and
healthy for you and your family. The seeds are harvested to make the condiment
that you use on hotdogs, sandwiches, and more.
Did you know? There is a
National
Mustard Day.
Mustard and Your Health:
Mustard leaves are good for your health. Its low in calories and carbs, yet
high in vitamins. It is high in Vitamin A and C, contains calcium and iron.
It has cancer fighting beta carotene, anitoxidents.
Sowing Mustard Seeds:
Sow mustard seeds 1/4 to 1/3 inch deep, and 3" apart. Thin seedlings to 5"
- 9" apart. Separate the rows, 1 foot apart.
Sow seeds early in the spring and a second crop in the early fall. They prefer
cool weather, so leave the middle of the summer for the heat loving vegetables.
Maturity: 45-50 days
How to Grow Mustard:
Mustard plants grow well in most good garden soils. They prefer full sun
and cool weather. Planting successive small crops, separated about a week
apart, results in a continuous supply of greens.
Mustard plants should be grown quickly. Use plenty of water, and ample amounts
of fertilizer, to promote fast growth of tender, green leaves. Water plants
during dry periods.
Keep the plants well weeded, so weeds do not compete for water and nutrients.
It makes harvesting easier, too.
Harvesting:
Mustard greens are eaten raw, or cooked. Harvest leaves while young and tender.
Pick individual leave, or the entire plant. Leaves get tough and have a strong
flavor during hot, dry weather.
Mustard seeds should be harvested when the plants begin to yellow.
You want to leave them on the plants as long as possible, but before the
pods burst open and spill their seeds.
Make your own mustard - its very easy.
Insects and Pests:
Aphids and cabbage worms are common problems.
We recommend organic pesticides for use on Mustard plants and other greens.
Disease:
Mildews can affect the plant. Promote fast growing, healthy plants, so they
will be less susceptible to disease. Allow proper spacing to increase air
circulation. Avoid watering towards evening.
Hardiness:
Plants grow best in cool weather.
More Information:
Buy Vegetable and Mustard Seeds Finest quality Ferry
Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to
grow". |
