Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica

Sowing and growing tips for reliable harvests

Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica seeds prefer full sun to light shade and moisture-retentive, well-drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with organic matter. As a cool-season crop, direct sowing works well when soil is workable; for steady growth, transplants or further sowings can follow after the last frost. In hot weather, late summer sowings help supply autumn to winter harvests; in mild climates, protected sowing extends the season through cooler periods. Plants form low to medium leafy rosettes; keep moisture even to curb bolting. Thin or transplant to maintain airflow, leaving tighter spacing for baby leaf and wider gaps for mature bunching. Regular harvesting supports continued leaf production.

• Sow 6–10 mm deep; thin to 10–15 cm for baby leaf or 20–30 cm for mature bunches; avoid crowding in humid spells.
• Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture; use light shade or row cover during heat or strong sun.
• Suitable for containers: choose a wide planter 15–20 cm deep with fertile, moisture-retentive mix.
• Edible leafy greens suited to baby-leaf or mature harvests; cut just above the crown for regrowth.

How do I grow mizuna (Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica) from seed?

Sow Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica seeds in full sun to light shade into moisture-retentive, well-drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Direct sow 5–10 mm deep in fine, moist soil when it is workable; for an early start, raise transplants in modules and set out after the last frost. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence, which typically occurs in cool to mild conditions within about a week. Thin promptly for airflow. Mizuna is forgiving to transplanting, but direct sowing is quick and reliable for baby leaf. Light protection (fleece or mesh) helps conserve moisture and deter pests during establishment.

When should I sow mizuna after the last frost and through the seasons?

Mizuna is a cool-season crop. Sow as soon as soil is workable in early spring, then again after the last frost for steady growth. In warming weather, pause during the hottest period to avoid bolting. Resume in late summer for autumn to winter harvests. In mild climates, sow under protection (cloches, cold frames, tunnels) through the cooler months. For a continuous supply, make small succession sowings every 2–3 weeks. Under cover not only extends the season but also buffers wind and temperature swings that can stress plants.

What spacing should I use for mizuna for baby leaf and full-size plants?

For baby leaf, sow densely in shallow drills or bands 5–10 cm wide, with rows 10–15 cm apart, then thin to about 2–5 cm between plants; harvest young and frequently. For full-size bunching or rosettes, space plants roughly 15–25 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart, adjusting toward the wider end in humid conditions to improve airflow. Adequate spacing reduces disease pressure, encourages quick regrowth after cutting, and produces cleaner, more uniform leaves.

Does mizuna bolt in heat, and how can I prevent it?

Yes. Heat, dry soil, and lengthening days can trigger mizuna to bolt. Reduce stress by sowing within the cool windows of spring and late summer, choosing bolt-tolerant strains, and providing light shade in warm spells. Keep soil consistently moist with mulches and regular watering, and avoid letting plants dry out between irrigations. In hot snaps, shade cloth or insect mesh can lower leaf temperature slightly. Harvest promptly at the desired size; younger leaves are less affected by impending bolt.

What is the best soil for mizuna in containers, and how often should I water?

Use a high-quality, peat-free vegetable mix that is moisture-retentive yet free-draining, blended with well-rotted compost for organic matter. A pot or trough at least 15–20 cm deep suits mizuna’s shallow roots; allocate roughly 3–5 litres per mature plant or sow more densely for cut-and-come-again leaf. Water to keep the medium evenly moist—check daily in warm, windy weather and irrigate when the top 2–3 cm feels dry. Ensure good drainage and consider a light mulch to slow evaporation; avoid waterlogging, which can stunt growth.

How and when do I harvest mizuna, including cut-and-come-again picking?

Harvest baby leaves when they reach about 10–15 cm, or gather full-size leaves at 20–30 cm. For cut-and-come-again, either pick outer leaves regularly or shear the plant 2–3 cm above the crown so the growing point remains intact; with adequate moisture and nutrients, plants typically regrow for multiple cuts. Morning harvests yield crisp leaves. If plants begin to form flower stalks, switch to frequent picking to use the tender growth, then re-sow for the best quality foliage.

Guidance provided across this site is general. Growing results vary with microclimate, soil structure and fertility, drainage, exposure, and seasonal conditions (for example, sowing after the last frost, in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible, or when soil is workable). Product pages provide item-specific instructions for sowing depth, spacing, and timing, which take precedence. Variety details, seed counts, and packaging information are subject to standard updates to meet quality and compliance requirements.

Growing Tips for Tender Mizuna Greens

Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica seeds produce fast-growing mizuna with finely serrated leaves and a mild, peppery character. Sow when soil is workable and after last frost, or start under cover for an earlier crop. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Provide well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture; full sun is ideal, though light shade helps during heat. Direct sow thinly, then thin seedlings to 15–20 cm, with 25–30 cm between rows, or grow in containers. Harvest baby leaves in 20–30 days, or allow heads to size up in 40–50 days. To reduce bolting in warm spells, water regularly and consider afternoon shade. Protect young plants from flea beetles and slugs with barriers and tidy beds. Succession sowing every 2–3 weeks supports steady harvests. Detailed variety and seed handling information is provided by SeedsChoice.