🌱 How to Grow Mustard Leaves from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: सरसों के पत्ते

• Tamil: கடுகு இலை

• Telugu: ఆవాల ఆకులు

• Malayalam: കടുക് ഇല

• Kannada: ಸಾಸಿವೆ ಎಲೆ

• English: Mustard Greens

• Botanical Name: Brassica juncea

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season leafy vegetable

• Best time to sow: October to February

• Ideal temperature: 10°C to 25°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before sowing

• Raised beds or large grow bags improve drainage

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Sow directly in beds or containers

• Depth: ¼ to ½ inch (0.5–1.2 cm)

• Spacing:

  • Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart

  • Rows: 12–18 inches apart

• Water lightly after sowing

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination

• Water deeply once or twice a week

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf diseases

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 4–7 days

• Provide cool, moist conditions

• Thin overcrowded seedlings early to allow healthy growth

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 5–6 hours of full sunlight daily

• Prefers cool weather for best flavor

• Can tolerate light frost, which enhances taste

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix compost at the time of sowing

• Top-dress with organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid excess nitrogen — promotes leaves over quality

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, flea beetles, caterpillars

• Common diseases: Downy mildew, leaf spot

• Use neem oil spray or soap solution every 10–15 days

• Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

9. 🌿 Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 25–35 days

• Harvest outer leaves when 4–6 inches long

• Cut-and-come-again method: harvest a few leaves at a time

• Younger leaves are milder and more tender

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Let a few plants bolt (flower) to collect seeds

• Allow seed pods to dry on plant

• Harvest and dry seeds thoroughly for storage

🥬 Health Benefits of Mustard Greens

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Supports bone health and immunity

• Detoxifies the body and supports liver function