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How to Grow Mustard

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Mustard (Brassica juncea)

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🛒 Amazon 🌿 True Leaf

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica juncea
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 56 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

1-7 days

Ready to Grow Mustard?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed pods just as they turn tan — before they shatter and seeds drop.

Processing

Cut stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds from pods, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Mustard crosses freely within the Brassica family — isolate by 300 feet from other mustard varieties.

Seed Storage Supplies

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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Mustard Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Mustard Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mustard? +

Sow Mustard seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Mustard take to grow? +

Mustard typically matures in about 56 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Mustard indoors or direct sow? +

Mustard does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Mustard need? +

Mustard requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Mustard need? +

Mustard has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Mustard? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Mustard is rated easy. Harvest seed pods just as they turn tan — before they shatter and seeds drop. Cut stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds from pods, winnow lightly.

How long do Mustard seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Mustard seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Mustard seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Mustard is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Mustard

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a popular garden vegetable. It can be directly sown outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

Expect your Mustard to be ready for harvest in approximately 56 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.