Mizuna is an attractive and easy-to-grow leafy green from the Brassica family, prized for its slightly pungent, mustard-like flavour and its fine, elegant foliage. Its green leaves with purplish hues add an original visual touch to salad mixes, and their distinctive taste pairs well with vinaigrettes or vinegar-based dressings. Fast-growing and cold-hardy, mizuna is an excellent choice for cool-season crops or "cut-and-come-again" harvesting. When it bolts, it produces small, edible yellow flowers that are sweet and much loved by pollinators.

Where can you grow mizuna?
Mizuna grows well in zones 3 to 9 and prefers cool temperatures. It adapts to gardens, containers, raised beds, and cold frames. Partial shade helps limit bolting in hot weather.

History and historical uses
Originating in Japan, mizuna is an ancient variety cultivated for centuries for its culinary and ornamental uses. Its rapid growth and hardiness have made it a staple in Asian gardens and kitchens. More recently, it has become popular in Western cuisine for its slightly pungent flavour and decorative appearance.

Canadian zone information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow in early spring or fall for best flavour.
Zones 5–7: Sow from early spring until early fall; protection recommended during intense summer heat.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors in spring or grow in a cold frame to extend the harvest season.

How to grow and harvest mizuna

Planting: Sow seeds directly 5 mm (¼ in) deep, spaced 2.5 cm (1 in) apart. Thin to 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially in dry periods, to promote steady growth.
Harvesting: Pick outer leaves as needed or cut whole plants 2.5 cm (1 in) above the soil to encourage regrowth.
Maintenance: Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Provide shade in summer to delay bolting.

Seed saving tips for future supply
Plant selection: Allow a few plants to bolt and fully mature.
Seed harvesting: When pods turn brown and dry, cut stems and hang them in paper bags.
Drying and cleaning: Allow to dry completely before separating seeds from pods.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in labelled envelopes or jars. Viability for 3 to 4 years.

Certified Organic by
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)