Mustard Greens in Zone 7A — Texas

Mustard greens are a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. Their peppery bite adds a unique flavor to salads, stir-fries, and braised dishes. Plus, you can get two crops in – one in the spring and another in the fall, taking advantage of our long growing season.

Sure, gardening in Texas comes with challenges like the brutal Texas heat and unpredictable weather. But with a little planning, you can easily grow delicious mustard greens. Our 245-day growing season gives you plenty of time to get it right.

Starting mustard greens indoors is doable, but honestly, direct sowing is usually easier here in Texas. However, if you want a head start, aim to sow seeds indoors in early to late February, about three weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays and a good seed-starting mix, and keep them warm and well-lit.

Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil consistently moist without disturbing the delicate seedlings. With our early springs here in Texas, starting indoors can give you a jump on the season, especially if you're aiming for that early April harvest.

Transplant your mustard greens seedlings outdoors in early March through mid April. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas sunshine and variable temperatures.

Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart to give them room to grow. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late freezes can still sneak up on you! If a freeze is predicted, cover your seedlings to protect them.

Direct sowing mustard greens is a great option in Texas. You can sow seeds from mid February through mid September, giving you plenty of flexibility. Prepare your soil well, ensuring it's loose and fertile. Mustard greens germinate best when the soil temperature is between 60°F and 70°F.

Sow the seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Direct sowing is less work than starting indoors, and the plants often catch up quickly, especially with our warm spring weather.

Watering is critical for mustard greens, especially with the unpredictable rainfall we get here in Texas. These plants need consistently moist soil to thrive. Aim to water deeply whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the finger test!

During the hotter months, you might need to water every other day, providing about 1 inch of water per week. In the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, you can usually reduce watering to twice a week. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around your mustard greens helps retain moisture and keep the soil cool, which is especially important during the brutal Texas heat.

You can expect your first harvest of mustard greens in early April through late November, depending on when you planted. Mustard greens are ready to harvest about 45 days after planting. Young leaves have a milder flavor, while larger leaves are spicier.

To harvest, simply snip off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This allows for continuous harvest throughout the season. Be sure to harvest before the plants start to flower (bolt), as the leaves will become bitter.

As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining leaves to enjoy. You can also cover the plants to extend the harvest a bit longer, but mustard greens are best enjoyed before a hard freeze hits.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing mustard greens in Texas:

Flea Beetles

• What it looks like: Tiny round holes (shot-hole pattern) in leaves, especially on young seedlings. You might see small dark beetles that jump when disturbed.
• What causes it: These small jumping beetles love to feed on brassicas. They're most damaging to small, young plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use row covers to protect seedlings. Delay planting until plants are larger. You can also try a kaolin clay coating or neem oil spray. Interplanting with basil or catnip can help deter them. Healthy, vigorous plants often outgrow the damage.

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also see sticky honeydew residue and curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that reproduce rapidly, especially in warm weather. Ant colonies may farm them for honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: Knock them off with a strong spray of water. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators. Use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations or neem oil for a systemic approach. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, as it attracts them.

Cabbage Worms

• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars on the leaves, with irregular holes chewed in them. You might also see dark green droppings and white butterflies hovering around your plants.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of white cabbage butterflies. They can have multiple generations per season in our warm climate.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is very effective. Use floating row covers to prevent the butterflies from laying eggs. Handpick the caterpillars when you see them. Interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme and sage to deter them. Encourage parasitic wasps.

Bolting in Heat

• What it looks like: The plant sends up a flower stalk, and the leaves become tough and bitter. Harvest quality declines.
• What causes it: Mustard greens are a cool-season crop, and they bolt when temperatures rise. This happens when days consistently exceed 80°F.
• How to fix/prevent it: Time your plantings for the cooler parts of the year (spring and fall). Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Provide shade during warm spells. Mulch to keep the soil cool. Harvest before bolting progresses too far.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can make growing mustard greens tricky. Be vigilant about watering, provide shade during the hottest part of the day, and choose varieties that are known to tolerate heat. Fire ants can also be a nuisance, so keep them under control to protect your plants.

Good companions for mustard greens in Texas include onions and garlic. They help deter pests like aphids. Beets are also a good choice, as they don't compete for the same nutrients. Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests. Lettuce provides ground cover and helps keep the soil cool, which is especially helpful during our hot summers.

Avoid planting mustard greens near strawberries or tomatoes. Strawberries are susceptible to some of the same pests as mustard greens, and tomatoes can inhibit the growth of mustard greens.