If you’re a Florida gardener, knowing when to plant mustard greens in Florida is the key to a successful harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our unique climate, but timing is everything to avoid bolting and bitter leaves.
This guide gives you the optimal Florida planting times for a long, productive season. We’ll break it down by region and give you the simple steps to get growing.
When To Plant Mustard Greens In Florida
Mustard greens prefer cool weather. In Florida, we plant them in the fall and winter for a spring harvest. The goal is to grow them through the coolest months, letting them mature before the intense summer heat arrives.
Heat causes them to bolt, or go to seed. Bolted greens become tough and taste bitter. Planting at the right time avoids this problem.
North Florida Planting Schedule
North Florida sees the coolest winters. Your planting window is fairly long.
- Fall Planting: Start seeds directly in the garden from late August through October. This gives plants time to establish before any serious frost.
- Winter Planting: You can continue sucesion planting into February for a continuous harvest.
- Spring Consideration: A very early spring planting in February might work, but be ready to harvest quickly before May heat.
Central Florida Planting Schedule
Central Florida’s milder winters offer great flexibility for mustard greens.
- Primary Window: Plant from September through January. This is your main season.
- Optimal Months: October and November are often the best for strong growth.
- Harvest Timeline: Plantings from January should be harvested by early April.
South Florida Planting Schedule
South Florida has the shortest and warmest “cool” season. Timing is more precise.
- Best Period: Plant from October through December. This is your core window.
- Key Advice: Focus on getting seeds in the ground during the cooler, drier months. January is often the latest you should plant.
- Heat Watch: Plants will likely bolt quickly once consistent heat returns in March or April.
Understanding Florida’s Frost Dates
Mustard greens can tolerate a light frost, which actually makes them taste sweeter. A hard freeze (below 28°F for several hours) can damage them.
- North FL: Know your average first frost date (often late Nov/Dec). Young plants can be protected with cloths.
- Central & South FL: Frost is rare. Freeze risk is very low in South Florida, so it’s less of a consern.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a healthy crop.
1. Choose Your Variety
Select types suited for heat-tolerance in Florida. ‘Florida Broadleaf’, ‘Southern Giant Curled’, and ‘Red Giant’ are excellent choices. ‘Tendergreen’ is a good, mild option.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Mustard greens like well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure before planting. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
3. Planting Seeds
Direct seeding is easiest. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Space them about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. You can thin seedlings later to 6-12 inches apart, using the thinned greens in salads.
4. Watering Consistently
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and seedling growth. Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting leaves, which can cause disease. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work great.
5. Fertilizing for Growth
Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal) when plants are 3-4 inches tall to encourage leafy growth. Always follow package instructions.
Common Pests and Problems
Watch out for these issues in your Florida garden.
- Flea Beetles: They create tiny holes in leaves. Use floating row covers as a barrier.
- Cabbage Loopers & Worms: Handpick them or use an organic spray like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
- Aphids: A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap is also effective.
- Bolting: This is caused by heat. The solution is planting at the correct time, as outlined above.
- Fungal Diseases (Downy Mildew): Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation between plants.
Harvesting Your Mustard Greens
You can start harvesting young leaves when they are about 4-6 inches tall, usually in 4-6 weeks.
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest the outer, older leaves first, leaving the center growing point intact. The plant will produce more leaves.
- Whole Plant: You can also cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil line. It may resprout for a second, smaller harvest.
- Flavor Tip: A light frost or chill will improve flavor, making leaves more sweet and less pungent.
FAQ: Mustard Greens in Florida
Can you grow mustard greens year-round in Florida?
No, it’s very difficult. Summer heat and humidity cause bolting and increase pest pressure. Stick to the fall-to-spring schedule.
What is the latest you can plant mustard greens in Central Florida?
You can plant through January, but be prepared to harvest by early April at the latest before heat sets in.
Do mustard greens grow well in containers?
Yes! Choose a pot at least 8-12 inches deep. Ensure it has drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Container gardening is a great option.
Why are my mustard greens tasteing so bitter?
Bitterness is usually caused by hot weather, lack of water, or the plant starting to bolt. Harvesting younger leaves and providing ample water can help.
Can I plant mustard greens from transplants?
You can, but direct seeding is often easier and less stressful for the plant. If using transplants, handle them gently and plant them during the cooler part of the day.
Getting the timing right makes all the difference for Florida mustard greens. By following these regional schedules and tips, you’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest of this nutritious, peppery green. Remember to sucesion plant every few weeks for a continuous supply throughout our long, mild winter.