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How to Grow and Care for Mizuna: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Mizuna is a versatile leafy green with a mild mustard flavor. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and it’s easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Growing Mizuna
- When to Plant: Mizuna can be grown all year round. Sow seeds indoors in autumn and winter, and outdoors in spring and summer.
- Where to Plant: Mizuna prefers shady spots with moist soil. Avoid sunny, dry conditions, which can cause the plant to bolt (flower early), resulting in bitter leaves.
- Spacing: Space plants 15cm apart for regular crops of smaller leaves, 20cm apart for larger leaves, and 40cm apart for fully mature plants.
Caring for Mizuna
- Watering: Mizuna needs moist soil. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize mizuna every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pests and Diseases: Mizuna is susceptible to slugs, snails, and flea beetles. Protect plants with horticultural fleece and keep the soil moist to deter pests.
Harvesting Mizuna
- When to Harvest: You can harvest mizuna as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Alternatively, you can leave them to mature for a stronger flavor.
- How to Harvest: Pick the young leaves or cut the entire rosette after 6-8 weeks.
- Storage: Mizuna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Don’t wash the leaves before storing to prevent rotting.
Additional Tips
- For the best flavor and nutrients, eat mizuna leaves and stems immediately after harvesting.
- If you notice slime trails or damage to young seedlings, it’s likely due to slugs or snails.
- If the leaves have small holes or are browning, it could be caused by flea beetles. Cover seedlings with horticultural fleece to prevent this.
Conclusion
Mizuna is a nutritious and easy-to-grow leafy green. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh mizuna all year round.
