Mustard, 'Red Frills'

Germination

Can be sown indoors or directly. Sow indoors Feb-May. Sow 6-12mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 5-10 days. Water frequently. Micro greens will be ready in 10-21 days, babyleaf in 20 days and 45 days maturity. Can be sown directly in drills Apr-Oct. Successional sow every 2 weeks for continual supply.

Growing

Prefers any fertile soil in full sun. Can be sown into open ground, growbags or containers, which must be at least 15cm deep. Adequate spacing is important. 2-3cm for babyleaf up to 25cm for mature plants. This is a cool season vegetable. Keep well watered. Hot weather will cause the plant to bolt and turn bitter. Protect late autumn sowings with a cloche.

Cultivation

Harvest for babyleaf when 5cm tall. Harvest leaves when 15cm for salads. Plants will grow to 45cm but these large leaves will require cooking, steaming or boiling is ideal. Use a knife or scissors to cut the leaves from the plants to avoid damage. Pull and compost plants one the weather turns hot or if the mustard bolts and flowers.