How to Grow Mizuna in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
A Japanese mustard green with ferny, mild-peppery leaves. Crops cut-and-come-again for weeks and is an easy salad workhorse through the cooler months.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant mizuna 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 | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best mizuna varieties for NZ
- Green Mizuna, Ferny mild-peppery mustard leaves, fast and good cut-and-come-again. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Red Mizuna, Purple-tinged form with the same mild bite, adds salad colour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow mizuna
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.3cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 40 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 7 days.
Companion planting
Grow mizuna near: Carrot, Lettuce.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Mizuna in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Mizuna plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant mizuna in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy mizuna seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.