MUSTARD ‘Purple’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica juncea var. rugosa
Mustard ‘Purple’ is a striking leafy brassica variety grown for its colourful purple-tinged leaves and mild, spicy flavour. It’s ideal for growing as a fast microgreen or baby leaf crop and is a favourite among home gardeners, chefs, and commercial growers. This variety delivers reliable germination, rapid growth, and exceptional visual appeal in salads, sandwiches, or garnishes.
- Distinctive purple-tinged leaves for vibrant dishes
- Mild mustard flavour—delicious fresh or lightly cooked
- Grow as microgreens (8–12 days) or baby leaf (3–4 weeks)
- Untreated, open-pollinated, and non-GMO seed
- Ideal for trays, containers, or direct sowing outdoors
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual leafy brassica
- Growth Habit: Microgreens or baby leaf up to 20–30 cm
Microgreen Sowing Information
- Germination: 2–4 days
- Depth: Surface sow; do not cover with soil
- Position: Indirect light after germination
- Sow Where: Indoors in trays with soil, coir peat, or hydro mats
- Growing Medium: 2–3 cm of fine potting mix or coir peat
- Seeding Rate: Approx. 2–3 tsp per 30 × 35 cm tray
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- No pre-soaking required—simply surface sow and mist lightly
- Cover trays for 2 days to encourage even germination
- After germination, move trays to indirect light and water daily
- Harvest when 5–7 cm tall by cutting just above the medium
- For baby leaf production, grow in garden beds or containers outdoors
Harvest
Microgreens: 8–12 days after sowing. Baby leaves: 20–30 days after sowing. Cut with scissors above the soil or growing medium.
When to Sow Mustard ‘Purple’ in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March–September | Best grown indoors year-round as microgreens; sow outside in cooler months for baby leaves |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March–October | Great for spring and autumn sowing outdoors or year-round indoors |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | March–October | Sow after peak summer. Use cloche in early spring for outdoor crops |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | September–March | Sow under cover early in spring or outdoors in warmer months. Tolerates light frost |
