How to Grow Mustard Greens in New Zealand

A fast-growing Asian green, picked young for salads or mature for stir-fries. Red Giant doubles as a striking ornamental edible. Best in the cooler months as it bolts in heat.

When to plant mustard greens 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 mustard greens varieties for NZ

Red Giant — Large purple-red peppery leaves, ornamental and good in stir-fries. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
Green Mustard (Southern Giant) — Broad ruffled green leaves with a hot tang, fast from seed. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)

How to grow mustard greens

Space plants about 25cm apart.
Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
Position: part shade.
Ready to harvest in roughly 40 days.
Seeds germinate in about 5 days.

Companion planting

Grow mustard greens near: Beetroot, Carrot.

Pests and problems

Watch for: White butterfly, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.

For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Mustard Greens plant page.

FAQ

When is the best time to plant mustard greens 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 mustard greens seeds or plants in NZ?

Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.