If you’re planning a Texas garden, knowing when to plant mustard greens in Texas is the key to a successful harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our unique climate, but timing is everything to avoid bolting in the heat.
With two main planting windows, you can enjoy a long season of these spicy, nutritious leaves. Let’s break down the best dates and methods for your region.
When to Plant Mustard Greens in Texas
The ideal planting times for mustard greens in Texas revolve around avoiding the intense summer heat. They are best planted in early spring and again in late summer or fall.
For a spring crop, you should plant seeds as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most of Texas, this falls between late January and early March.
For a superior fall crop, aim to plant seeds in late summer to early fall. The perfect window is usually from mid-August through October. This allows the plants to mature during the cooler, milder autumn weather.
Texas Planting Calendar by Region
Texas has multiple climate zones, so your specific location matters. Here’s a regional guide:
- North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Plant spring crops from late February to mid-March. Plant fall crops from August 15 to September 15.
- Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio): Plant spring crops from early February to early March. Plant fall crops from September 1 to October 15.
- South Texas (Corpus Christi, Valley): Plant spring crops in January through February. Plant fall crops from October through November, and even into winter.
- West Texas (El Paso, Lubbock): Follow similar dates to North Texas, but be mindful of later spring frosts and earlier fall frosts in higher elevations.
Why Timing is Critical: Heat and Bolting
Mustard greens are a cool-weather vegetable. If planted to late in spring or too early in fall when soil temperatures are still high, they will “bolt.” Bolting means the plant quickly sends up a flower stalk.
When this happens, the leaves become bitter and tough. Planting at the correct time ensures you get tender, flavorful leaves for as long as possible.
How to Plant Mustard Greens Successfully
Once you’ve got your dates set, follow these steps for a great start.
1. Choosing a Site and Soil Prep
Mustard greens need full sun to partial shade (especially helpful in warmer areas). They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Work 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure into your garden bed.
- The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Ensure the bed has good drainage to prevent root rot.
2. Sowing Seeds Directly
Direct sowing is the easiest method for mustard greens.
- Rake the soil smooth and create shallow rows about ½ inch deep.
- Sow seeds thinly, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently but thoroughly.
- Seeds typically germinate in 4 to 7 days.
3. Thinning and Spacing
Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out. This gives the remaining plants room to grow large, healthy leaves.
- Thin to 6 inches apart for smaller “baby” greens you’ll harvest young.
- Thin to 12 inches apart for full-sized plants with large leaves.
You can eat the thinned seedlings in a salad!
Caring for Your Mustard Greens
Consistent care keeps your plants productive and healthy.
Watering
Mustard greens need consistent moisture. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
Water at the base of the plants to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Using a soaker hose is a great idea. Inconsistent watering can stress the plants and make leaves taste more pungent.
Fertilizing
For a continuous harvest, a little fertilizer helps. Apply a balanced, all-purpose vegetable fertilizer about 3 weeks after planting.
You can also sidedress with compost mid-season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote to much leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests in Texas include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage loopers.
- Use floating row covers immediately after planting to block insects.
- Check the undersides of leaves regularly and handpick pests.
- A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids.
- For severe issues, use an organic insecticidal soap.
Good spacing and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Crop
You can start harvesting in as little as 30 to 40 days for baby greens.
- For Baby Greens: Snip individual leaves when they are 3 to 4 inches long, or cut the whole plant about an inch above the soil; it will often regrow.
- For Full-Sized Leaves: Harvest outer leaves first when they are 6 to 8 inches long, allowing the inner center to continue producing. Always use a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Mustard greens store well in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
Recommended Varieties for Texas Gardens
Some varieties perform exceptionally well in our heat and variable seasons.
- Southern Giant Curled: A classic, heat-tolerant variety with frilly leaves.
- Florida Broadleaf: Produces large, thick, succulent leaves that hold up well.
- Red Giant: Beautiful purple-tinged leaves with a spicy flavor; great for adding color.
- Tendergreen: Milder in flavor and slower to bolt, a good choice for beginners.
FAQ
Can you plant mustard greens in the summer in Texas?
It is not recommended. Summer heat causes them to bolt quickly and become bitter. Focus on spring and fall plantings.
What is the latest you can plant mustard greens in Texas?
For a fall crop, aim to get seeds in the ground by mid-October for Central and North Texas. South Texas can plant into November.
Do mustard greens come back every year?
No, they are annual plants. You will need to replant them each season, though they often self-seed if you let some plants flower and go to seed.
Can I grow mustard greens in pots?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix and water more frequently, as containers dry out faster.
How do you protect mustard greens from a light frost?
Mustard greens are frost-tolerant and a light frost can even sweeten the flavor. For a hard freeze, cover them with a frost cloth or old bedsheet to extend the harvest.
By following this simple calender and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy homegrown mustard greens from your Texas garden for much of the year. Just remember the golden rule: beat the heat for the best harvest.