How to grow Mizuna in New Zealand
Mizuna is a Japanese mustard green with feathery, deeply cut leaves and a crisp, mildly peppery taste. It is fast and easy, with outer leaves ready to pick in as little as three weeks, and it regrows after cutting for weeks of salads. Grow it through the cooler months, when it is at its best, and give it a little shade if you sow into warmer weather.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Mizuna in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to November, January to April | Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. |
| Central Otago | September and October, January to April | Sow Sep to Oct and Jan to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to early November. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Mibuna, its close relative with smooth, strap-shaped leaves.
Where to plant
Grow mizuna in sun or part shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil dug through with compost or blood and bone. It is a cool-season crop that bolts in summer heat and dry soil.
As a brassica, it fits the cabbage family part of a rotation, and it needs protection from white butterfly in the warmer months.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow from January to April and from August to October.
- Canterbury: sow from January to April and from August to November, keeping later sowings well watered.
- Otago and Southland: sow from September, when the soil has warmed, through to April. Cool summers let you keep sowing.
- Central Otago: sow in September and October and from January to April. Cover early sowings with a cloche, as frosts run to early November, and make the last sowing by April.
Choosing a variety
| Variety | Notes |
|---|---|
| Green mizuna | Dark green, feathery, deeply cut leaves with a mild, crisp taste; very fast |
| Red mizuna (for example Red Coral or Red Kingdom F1) | Purple-tinged leaves with the same mild bite, adding colour to salads |
How to plant
- Sow seed direct about 6 mm deep and water well. Seed germinates in about 7 to 14 days in soil of 15 to 20°C.
- For baby leaves, sow densely in a block or wide row. For whole heads, thin to 20 to 30 cm apart.
- Keep the soil moist, and cover with insect mesh in warm weather.
- Sow again every three to four weeks for a continuous supply.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Dry plants turn tough and peppery and bolt.
Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser for leafy vegetables once seedlings are up.
Harvesting
Pick outer leaves a few at a time from about three weeks, leaving the centre to keep growing, or shear the whole patch about 4 cm above the soil and let it regrow. Whole heads can be cut at about eight weeks.
Use mizuna raw in salads or lightly cooked in stir-fries and soups. It keeps up to four days in the fridge wrapped in a damp cloth.
Growing in pots
Mizuna is excellent in pots and troughs at least 20 cm wide. Sow densely, keep the mix moist, feed weekly and pick often.
Companion planting
Mizuna is a quick, compact salad crop that fits around slower vegetables.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Mizuna shares the pests of other brassicas, but it is often harvested before they build up.
Pests to watch for
- White butterfly Green caterpillars and ragged holes, mainly spring to autumn.
- Slugs Seedlings and young leaves chewed overnight.
- Aphids Grey clusters under leaves.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on the upper leaf with fuzz underneath, in cool, damp weather.
Common questions
How fast does mizuna grow?
Very fast. Outer leaves can be picked about three weeks after sowing, and whole heads are ready in about eight weeks.
Does mizuna grow back after cutting?
Yes. Pick outer leaves or shear it about 4 cm above the soil, and it regrows for several more harvests.
Why is my mizuna bolting?
Heat, dry soil and long days. Grow it in autumn, winter and early spring, keep it moist, and give it shade if you sow into warm weather.
What does mizuna taste like?
Crisp and mildly peppery, much gentler than mustard greens. It is good raw in salads or added to stir-fries at the end.
Can I grow mizuna in a pot?
Yes. It is one of the best crops for pots and troughs. Sow densely and pick often.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow mizuna; Kings Seeds NZ: Mizuna.