Quick Growing Facts

When & Where to Grow ‘Southern Giant Curled’ Mustard

Mustard greens love cool weather and produce their sweetest, most tender leaves in spring and fall. In hot, dry weather they become stronger in flavor and are more likely to bolt (send up flower stalks), so plan sowings around your cool seasons.

• Spring: Sow as soon as soil can be worked and is around 40–45°F (4–7°C), about 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
• Fall: Sow 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost so plants can size up in cool weather; in mild climates, you can sow later for winter greens.
• Mild / warm-winter climates: Grow through fall, winter, and early spring; avoid peak summer heat or give plants shade and extra water.
• Location: Garden beds, raised beds, and containers (at least 20–25 cm deep) in full sun to partial shade.

Soil Preparation

Southern Giant Curled mustard grows quickly and appreciates rich, moisture-retentive soil that still drains well. Good soil preparation will reward you with lush foliage and multiple harvests.

• Loosen the top 8–10 in (20–25 cm) of soil and remove weeds, roots, and stones.
• Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and moisture retention.
• Rake the surface into a fine, crumbly seedbed so the small seeds make good contact with the soil.
• Ensure good drainage; if soil is heavy clay, use raised beds or add additional organic matter.
• Avoid very fresh, high-nitrogen fertilizer right before sowing; too much nitrogen can make plants soft and more susceptible to pests.

Direct Sowing Mustard Outdoors

Mustard is almost always direct sown, either in rows or broadcast in patches for baby greens. Seeds are relatively large and germinate quickly in cool, moist soil.

1. Timing: Sow in early spring and again in late summer to fall when soil is cool to mild.
2. Row method: Make shallow furrows 12–18 in (30–45 cm) apart.
3. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 1/4–1/2 in (6–12 mm) deep.
4. Seed spacing: Sow about 1 in (2–3 cm) apart in the row; you will thin later for final spacing.
5. Broadcast for baby greens: Scatter seeds evenly over the bed and lightly rake or tamp into the surface.
6. Water: Water gently with a fine spray and keep the top layer of soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Starting Mustard Indoors (Optional)

You can start Southern Giant Curled mustard indoors and transplant it, but it usually grows so fast from direct sowing that this is optional. Indoor starts can be useful for very early spring beds or for tightly planned plantings.

• Sow 3–4 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Use cell trays with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow 2–3 seeds per cell at about 1/4 in (6 mm) deep and thin to one strong seedling.
• Keep at 60–75°F (15–24°C) with even moisture and bright light to prevent leggy growth.
• Harden off seedlings for about a week, then transplant outdoors, spacing 6–12 in (15–30 cm) apart depending on desired plant size.

Thinning, Spacing & Transplanting

Proper spacing helps mustard form large, healthy plants and reduces pest and disease pressure, while still allowing dense production for baby greens and bunches.

• Thin direct-sown seedlings when they are 2–3 in (5–8 cm) tall.
• For frequent leaf pickings and medium-sized plants, thin to about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) between plants.
• For large, bunching plants, thin or transplant to 10–18 in (25–45 cm) between plants in rows 12–18 in (30–45 cm) apart.
• Use thinnings as baby mustard greens in salads, braises, or stir-fries.
• Transplant on a cool, cloudy day or in the evening and water in well.

Succession Sowing for Continuous Harvest

Southern Giant Curled grows quickly and can be harvested over a long window, but succession sowing keeps a steady supply of tender leaves and prevents overmature, overly hot plants from dominating the bed.

• Sow a new small patch every 2–3 weeks in spring and again in late summer through fall.
• In hot summers, place later sowings in partial shade or under shade cloth to reduce stress and bolting.
• Plan fall sowings so plants are well established before hard freezes; under row cover or in a cold frame they can often be harvested into winter.

Watering & Feeding

Consistent moisture and moderate fertility keep mustard growing fast and tender. Stress from drought and heat leads to stronger flavor and faster bolting.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Mulch: A light mulch of compost or straw helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cooler in warm weather.
• Feeding: If soil is reasonably fertile, compost at planting is usually enough. In poorer soils or containers, feed lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once or twice during the growing period.

Pests & Diseases

Mustard is in the brassica family, so it shares some common pests with cabbage, kale, and collards. Fast growth and good cultural practices usually keep problems manageable.

• Flea beetles: Tiny beetles that leave lots of small holes in leaves. Use floating row covers, keep soil moist, and encourage rapid growth so plants outgrow damage.
• Cabbage worms & caterpillars: Hand-pick or use organic controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if needed.
• Aphids: Rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap if colonies build up on leaves and stems.
• Slugs & snails: Can damage young leaves, especially in damp conditions; use traps, barriers, and hand-picking.
• Fungal diseases: Crop rotation, good spacing, and watering at soil level help prevent leaf spots, downy mildew, and rot.

Harvesting ‘Southern Giant Curled’ Mustard

Baby Greens & Cut-and-Come-Again

• Begin harvesting baby leaves about 20–30 days after sowing, when leaves are 3–4 in (7–10 cm) long.
• Use scissors to cut outer leaves, leaving the center to keep growing, or shear plants 1–2 in (2–5 cm) above the soil in dedicated baby-green beds.
• With good care, plants can provide several cut-and-come-again harvests from the same sowing.

Larger Leaves & Full Bunches

• For larger leaves and bunching plants, harvest around 40–50 days after sowing, when leaves are full-sized but still tender.
• Cut individual leaves from the outside of the plant, or cut the entire plant at the base with a sharp knife just above the soil line.
• Harvest in the cool of the morning for the mildest flavor and best texture.
• If plants begin to bolt and send up flower stalks, harvest promptly; leaves become hotter and more pungent as flowering progresses.

Storing & Using Mustard Greens

• Rinse leaves in cool water to remove any soil or insects and spin or pat dry.
• Store in a breathable or lightly sealed container/bag in the refrigerator; use within about 3–7 days for best quality.
• Enjoy baby leaves raw in salads and mixes; larger leaves are excellent sautéed, braised, added to soups, stews, and curries.
• Pair with garlic, onions, smoked meats, soy sauce, chilies, or vinegar for classic Southern and Asian-style dishes.

Saving Seed from Mustard

Southern Giant Curled mustard is largely self-pollinating but can cross with other Brassica juncea types nearby. If you want to save seed, grow it a little away from other mustard greens to keep the variety pure.

• Allow a few healthy plants to bolt and flower in late spring or early summer.
• Plants produce tall stems with small yellow flowers, followed by slender seed pods.
• When pods turn tan-brown and feel dry, cut stems into a paper bag or over a tray before they shatter.
• Dry thoroughly, then crush pods gently to release the seeds and winnow out chaff.
• Store seeds in a labeled, airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Under good conditions, they remain viable for several years.

Tips for Success

• Think of mustard as a cool-season crop: plan for spring and fall, and give shade or protection during heat waves.
• Use row covers early in the season to protect seedlings from flea beetles and to speed growth in cold weather.
• Make small, frequent sowings instead of one big planting to keep quality high and harvests continuous.
• Combine mustard with milder greens like lettuce, spinach, and mâche to balance its bold flavor in salads and braising mixes.

Note: Growing conditions and timing vary by region. Adjust sowing dates, watering, and heat or frost protection to match your local climate and weather patterns.