MUSTARD ‘Red Giant’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
‘Red Giant’ is a bold, heirloom mustard variety known for its large, ruffled purple-red leaves and fiery mustard flavour. This cold-tolerant green is a standout in cool-season gardens and performs well as either baby leaf or mature plant. Enjoy it raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries and soups. Its fast growth, impressive colour, and robust taste make it a favourite among home gardeners and chefs alike.
- Deep purple-red foliage adds colour and spice to dishes
- Mild when young; develops a stronger mustard flavour as it matures
- Fast-growing, cold-hardy, and easy to grow
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K—great for immune support
- Suitable for direct sowing in beds, pots, or containers
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual leafy green
- Plant Height: 30–45 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 5–10 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or containers
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0
- Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants; 30–40 cm between rows
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners
- Water consistently to produce tender, flavourful leaves
- Harvest early for baby greens or let mature for bold flavour
- Mulch to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture
- Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the harvest window
- Protect from slugs and aphids in early spring
Harvest
30–45 days from sowing. Harvest individual baby leaves when young or cut full heads once fully developed. Frequent picking encourages new growth.
When to Sow Mustard ‘Red Giant’ in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March–September | Sow during cooler seasons. Provide shade cloth if warm weather persists. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March–October | Ideal for early spring and autumn sowing. Water well in dry conditions. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | March–October | Sow after peak summer. Protect seedlings from late frosts. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | August–October | Start under cover in early spring or direct sow as temperatures rise. |
