13 Varieties of Mustard Greens to Grow in Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever wanted to add a fresh, flavorful element to your cooking straight from your garden? Mustard greens might just be the answer you’re looking for. These versatile leafy vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal.
As you explore the world of mustard greens, you’ll quickly realize that there are numerous varieties to choose from. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through 13 of the best varieties to consider growing in your garden. From mild and tender options to spicy and bold choices, there is a mustard green variety that will suit your preferences.
Mustard Green Basics
Before we dive into the specific varieties, let’s cover some essential information about growing mustard greens. Mustard greens belong to the Brassicaceae family and Brassica genus, with different varieties falling under various species such as B. juncea, B. rapa, B. nigra, B. hirta, or Sinapis alba. These plants offer a range of leaf shapes, textures, and flavors that can enhance your culinary experience.
When it comes to planting mustard greens, you’ll find that most varieties are easy to grow and have similar growing requirements. Not to mention, they offer quick harvest times, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Now, let’s explore the top 13 varieties of mustard greens that you can grow at home:
1. Amara
- Blue-green B. juncea variety
- Mild flavor with quick baby leaf harvest
- Ideal for salads and cooking
- Quick maturation in just 45 days
2. Florida Broadleaf
- Spicy B. juncea variety
- Grows up to 25 inches in height
- Perfect for sautéing or stewing
- Quick maturation in 45 days
3. Green Wave
- Medium-hot B. juncea variety
- Ruffled green leaves ideal for salads
- Season stretcher with slow bolt rate
- Quick maturation in 45 days
4. Kodiak
- Ideal for use as a green manure cover crop
- Rapid growth for soil building
- Natural nematode suppressant
- Available seeds at True Leaf Market
5. Mizuna
- Bright green serrated leaves with a hint of wasabi
- Quick growth with cut and come again feature
- Great for salads, stir-fries, and juicing
- Available seeds at Burpee
6. Osaka Purple
- Verdant leaves with purple highlights
- Versatile in various dishes including sushi garnish
- Quick maturation for salads or sautés
- Available seeds at True Leaf Market
7. Purple Wave
- Light purple color with frilled leaves
- Bold spicy flavor perfect for stir-fries
- Generous harvest yields
- Available seeds at True Leaf Market
8. Red Giant
- Rapid growth with spicy magenta leaves
- Procrastinator-friendly planting
- Perfect for salads, steaming, and stir-fries
- Available seeds at True Leaf Market
9. Red Tatsoi
- Sweet rosettes with a mild bite
- Crunchy leaves with celery flavor notes
- Excellent for salads and stir-fries
- Available seeds at True Leaf Market
10. Rosette Tatsoi
- Heirloom foot-wide rosettes with green leaves
- Tender and sweet with tangy undertones
- Great as edible landscape accents
As you explore these top 13 varieties of mustard greens, consider experimenting with different flavors, textures, and growth rates to find the perfect fit for your garden. With their versatility and nutritional benefits, mustard greens are a fantastic addition to any home garden. So, get ready to grow your own supply of fresh, flavorful greens and elevate your culinary creations with these fantastic varieties.
