When To Plant Mustard Greens In Mississippi – For Optimal Harvest Timing

by Kevinin Blog Postson Posted on

If you’re wondering when to plant mustard greens in Mississippi, you’re in the right place. Timing is everything for a great harvest, and our climate offers several perfect windows.

Mississippi’s long, warm seasons are ideal for this leafy green. You can actually plant them in both spring and fall for continuous picking. Getting the schedule right means you’ll avoid bitter, bolted greens and enjoy sweet, tender leaves instead.

When To Plant Mustard Greens In Mississippi

For the best results, you have two primary planting seasons. The goal is to grow mustard greens in cool weather, as heat makes them tough and spicy.

Spring Planting Window

Plant your spring crop as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date.

  • North MS: Plant from late February through mid-March.
  • Central MS: Plant from mid-February through early March.
  • South MS: Plant from early February through late February.

Spring-planted mustard greens need to mature before the summer heat arrives. If you plant to late, they’ll bolt quickly.

Fall Planting Window (The Best Time)

Fall is often the most successful and flavorful season for mustard greens in Mississippi. The cooling temperatures make them sweet.

  • North MS: Plant from mid-August through late September.
  • Central MS: Plant from late August through early October.
  • South MS: Plant from early September through mid-October.

You can succession plant every two weeks for a longer harvest. A light frost actually improves their flavor, making them less pungent.

Understanding Your Mississippi Growing Zone

Mississippi spans zones 7b to 9a. Knowing your zone helps fine-tune your timing.

  • Zone 7b (North): Frost dates are key. Lean on the later side for spring, earlier for fall.
  • Zone 8a/b (Central): This is prime mustard green territory with a long, mild fall.
  • Zone 9a (Coastal): You have the longest season. Focus of fall and winter harvests, and can even grow through winter with protection.
See also  Philodendron Grandipes - Rare Tropical Climbing Vine

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve got your date, follow these simple steps.

1. Choose Your Variety

Some great choices for Mississippi include:

  • Southern Giant Curled: Heirloom, heat-tolerant, great for our climate.
  • Florida Broadleaf: Tender, fast-growing, handles variability well.
  • Red Giant: Beautiful purple-tinged leaves, excellent flavor.
  • Tendergreen: Milder taste, good for those who find mustard greens to strong.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Mustard greens aren’t picky, but they thrive in rich, well-drained soil.

  1. Pick a spot that gets full sun to partial shade (especially helpful in spring).
  2. Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep.
  3. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
  4. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A simple test kit can confirm this.

3. Sow Seeds Directly

Direct sowing is best for mustard greens.

  1. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
  2. Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
  3. After seedlings sprout and grow a few inches tall, thin them to 6-12 inches apart. Use the thinnings in a salad!
  4. Water the seedbed gently but thoroughly and keep it moist until germination, which takes 4-7 days.

Caring for Your Mustard Greens

Consistent care ensures a bountiful, tasty harvest.

Watering Needs

Mustard greens need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing for Growth

For a quick boost, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. If your soil is well-prepared, they may not need much extra. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can lead to to much leaf growth with poor flavor.

See also  When To Plant Celery In Zone 7 - Optimal Timing For Planting

Pest and Disease Management

Common issues in Mississippi include:

  • Flea Beetles: These tiny insects make small holes in leaves. Use row covers or an organic insecticidal soap.
  • Cabbage Loopers: Hand-pick these green caterpillars or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural bacteria.
  • Aphids: A strong spray of water from the hose can knock them off.
  • Downy Mildew: Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation.

Rotating where you plant your greens each year helps prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

Harvesting for Optimal Flavor and Continuous Yield

You can start harvesting in as little as 30-40 days for baby greens.

The “Cut-and-Come-Again” Method

This is the best way to get the most from your plants.

  1. When leaves are 4-6 inches tall, you can start harvesting the outer, older leaves.
  2. Use clean scissors or a knife to cut leaves about an inch above the soil.
  3. The plant will continue to produce new leaves from the center. You can get several harvests from one planting.

For a one-time harvest, you can cut the whole plant at the base when its mature, usually around 50-60 days.

What to Do If Plants Bolt

Bolting is when the plant sends up a flower stalk. The leaves become bitter. In Mississippi’s spring, this is often triggered by lengthening days and heat. If you see a central stalk forming, harvest the entire plant immediately. You can let a few plants bolt if you want to save seeds for next season.

Season Extension Tips

To get even more from your crop, try these methods:

  • Fall Planting Protection: Use a cold frame or floating row cover to protect fall crops into early winter. Mustard greens can handle light frosts, but this helps with hard freezes.
  • Shade Cloth in Spring: As late spring heats up, a 30-40% shade cloth can slow bolting and keep leaves tender for a extra week or two.
See also  How Tall Do Dandelions Grow - Surprisingly Tall And Resilient

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you plant mustard greens in the summer in Mississippi?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat causes rapid bolting and poor flavor. Focus on spring and fall for the best quality.

How late can you plant mustard greens in Mississippi?

For a fall crop, you can plant up until about 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost. This gives the plants enough time to produce a decent harvest of leaves before winter dormancy.

Do mustard greens come back every year?

No, mustard greens are annual plants. They complete their life cycle in one season. However, they often self-seed if you let some plants flower and drop seeds, giving you volunteer plants the next year.

What are good companion plants for mustard greens?

They grow well with onions, beets, and celery. Avoid planting them near other brassicas like broccoli or cabbage, as they attract the same pests.

Why are my mustard greens tasting so spicy?

Flavor intensity increases with heat and water stress. For milder leaves, ensure consistent watering and harvest them in the cooler weather of fall or early spring. A light frost really helps sweeten them up.

Following this planting schedule and care tips will set you up for success. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown mustard greens from your Mississippi garden for much of the year. There’s nothing quite like picking fresh greens for a pot of hearty, traditional greens or a crisp salad straight from your backyard.

Post authorWritten by