Homegrown Chinese mustard greens are a great way to ensure you have a steady supply of fresh, safe vegetables for pickling. It’s also a rewarding hobby for gardening and traditional food preparation enthusiasts. With the following guide, you can easily grow your own Chinese mustard greens and enjoy delicious, homemade pickled mustard greens.

How to Grow Chinese Mustard Greens for Pickling at Home

To start growing Chinese mustard greens at home, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

– Chinese mustard green seeds: Seeds are the most important factor, and you can purchase them from agricultural stores or supermarkets.


Growing Chinese mustard greens at home is incredibly easy. (Image: Gardener’s Path)

– Soil: Chinese mustard greens thrive in loose, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil. You can use garden soil or pre-mixed organic soil.

– Pots or plastic tubs: If you don’t have a garden, you can use pots or plastic tubs with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

– Fertilizer: It’s recommended to use organic or well-rotted manure to provide additional nutrients for the plants. Organic fertilizers promote strong growth and ensure the safety of your produce.

Seed Sowing and Seedling Care

Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water (around 30-35°C) for 4-6 hours to speed up and even out germination.

After soaking, directly sow the seeds into your prepared pots or tubs, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Maintain a distance of about 5-7 cm between seeds to give them room to grow. Gently water the seeds with a mist sprayer to keep the soil moist and encourage germination.

Mustard greens require sunlight to thrive, so place your pots in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours daily.

This type of vegetable needs moist but not soggy soil. Water your plants consistently, approximately twice a day, early in the morning and in the evening. As the seedlings grow stronger, reduce watering to once a day.

Once the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 cm, you can apply diluted organic fertilizer to boost their growth. Fertilize once a week until the plants mature.

Care and Pest Control

Chinese mustard greens are susceptible to pests such as cabbage loopers and diseases like fungal infections. Therefore, pest control is a crucial step in growing healthy mustard greens. Here are some measures you can take:

– Use biological pesticides or homemade solutions made from garlic, chili, or ginger to control pests without compromising your health.

– Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of pest infestation or disease and take immediate action.

As the plants grow, remove older, diseased, or pest-infested leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. Keep the growing area clean and well-ventilated to discourage pest proliferation.

Harvesting Chinese Mustard Greens for Pickling

After about 40-50 days from sowing, your Chinese mustard greens will reach their maximum size and be ready for harvest. At this stage, the plants will be around 25-30 cm tall, with lush, thick leaves.

You can cut the entire plant or harvest larger leaves first, leaving the plant to continue growing for a few more days. This way, you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh greens.

Pickling Chinese Mustard Greens


Pickling freshly harvested Chinese mustard greens results in a delicious treat. (Image: Ranee)

After harvesting, wash the Chinese mustard greens thoroughly and let them wilt in the shade to soften the leaves, which helps in the pickling process and reduces the risk of spoilage. Gather the other ingredients, including salt, sugar, water, and optional spices like chili and garlic.

Source: VTC news

Frequently asked questions

Chinese leaf mustard, also known as mustard greens, is a leafy vegetable belonging to the Brassica family. It is a fast-growing, nutritious, and tasty crop that can be easily grown at home. With its vibrant, flavorful leaves, it is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.

Growing Chinese leaf mustard at home offers several advantages. Firstly, you can ensure the freshness and quality of the produce by harvesting it right before consumption. Secondly, it allows you to control the growing conditions, ensuring that your vegetables are organic and free from pesticides. Additionally, growing your own Chinese leaf mustard is cost-effective and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Chinese leaf mustard thrives in cool temperatures, preferably between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure that the plant receives full sun exposure, about 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Adequate spacing is important, allowing for good air circulation and preventing the spread of diseases.

Start by preparing a seedbed with rich, organic soil. Sow the seeds directly into the ground or in containers, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Thin the seedlings when they develop true leaves to maintain a distance of 6-8 inches between plants. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks and keep the area free of weeds. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

Common pests include cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids. Control them by handpicking, using row covers, or applying organic insecticides. Diseases such as downy mildew, club root, and yellow leaf spot can occur. Practice crop rotation, remove infected plants, and ensure good air circulation to prevent the spread of diseases.

Harvest Chinese leaf mustard when the leaves reach a suitable size, typically 4-6 inches in length. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves at the base of the plant. The plant will continue to produce new leaves, allowing for multiple harvests. The yield depends on the variety and growing conditions, but you can expect a decent harvest from a small garden bed or a few containers.

Freshly harvested Chinese leaf mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To preserve it for longer periods, you can blanch and freeze the leaves or try pickling or fermenting them. Drying the leaves is also an option, but it may affect the texture and flavor.

Yes, Chinese leaf mustard can be grown indoors with sufficient light and proper care. Use a container with well-drained soil and place it near a sunny window that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure proper air circulation and maintain moderate temperatures. Regular watering and fertilization are crucial for indoor growth.

Several varieties of Chinese leaf mustard are suitable for home gardens. ‘Green Wave’ and ‘Red Giant’ are popular choices, offering large, flavorful leaves. ‘Southern Giant’ is heat-tolerant and slow to bolt, making it ideal for warmer climates. ‘Florida Broadleaf’ is another heat-resistant variety with a mild flavor.

Chinese leaf mustard is versatile in the kitchen. Try stir-frying the leaves with garlic and a dash of soy sauce. You can also add them to soups, stews, or omelets. For a refreshing salad, toss the young leaves with sliced apples, walnuts, and a vinaigrette dressing. Chinese leaf mustard is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
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