How to Grow Mibuna in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
A Japanese mustard green like mizuna but with smooth, strap-shaped leaves and a milder, almost sweet flavour. Very fast growing and cut-and-come-again, ideal as a baby-leaf salad green in the cooler months.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant mibuna in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best mibuna varieties for NZ
- Mibuna, Smooth strap-shaped Japanese mustard leaves, milder than mizuna. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow mibuna
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 35 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 5 days.
Companion planting
Grow mibuna near: Lettuce, Radish.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Mibuna in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Mibuna plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant mibuna in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy mibuna seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.