Mustard Seeds,
Wasabina Leaf

For a spring harvest, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last freeze and transplant them outdoors 2-3 weeks before it, once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves; direct sowing also works as soon as the soil can be worked. For a fall harvest, plant seeds in late summer or early fall. In southern regions, September or October is ideal for a winter harvest. Wasabina mustard is cold-tolerant, making it suitable for growing in USDA zones 3-9. If you're not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Incorporate compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil. Start seeds indoors, Sow seeds on top of the surface (surface sow), and space the plants 10 inches apart. Light is required for germination. Sprouts appear in 5-8 days.

Wasabina mustard needs full sun to partial shade, 8-12 hours of sun daily. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are 3-4 inches tall. Monitor for pests like flea beetles and aphids, and manage them by using neem oil or insecticidal soap​​. For drying, harvest when flowers just begin to bloom.

• Brassica juncea is capable of self pollinating, but insects can cross pollinate the flowers with other varieties of B. juncea if growing within a 2-mile radius. If saving seeds, isolate the plants from other B. juncea varieties by 2 miles.
• To save the seeds, allow pods to brown, dry, and become crispy. Shake pods into a paper bag to remove seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry location.