How to Grow Komatsuna in New Zealand
Japanese mustard spinach with a mild, sweet flavour and none of the heat of western mustard greens. Very tolerant of both warmth and cold, fast cropping and cut-and-come-again, so it crops across much of the year in the north.
When to plant komatsuna 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 komatsuna varieties for NZ
- Komatsuna — Mild sweet Japanese mustard spinach, very heat and cold tolerant. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Red Komatsuna — Purple-leaved form with the same mild flavour, good for colour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow komatsuna
- Space plants about 20cm 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 komatsuna near: Lettuce, Beans.
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 Komatsuna plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant komatsuna 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 komatsuna seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.