Mibuna ( Brassica rapa ) is a fast-growing leafy vegetable native to Japan. It grows well when sown in the Spring and Autumn in cold or temperate climates. The bright green almost shiny leaves add a mild mustard flavour to soups, salads, juices and stir-fry’s. Also used as a garnish and is popular in Japan when pickled.
Ready for harvest in under 40 days, this cut-and-come again vegetable is a fun and easy way to add some spice to the kitchen.
Other names for Mibuna include Mizuna, Kyona, Japanese Mustard Greens, and Spider Mustard. For a similar variety check out our page on Tatsoi. Like the Tatsoi, Mibuna is highly resistant to cold temperatures and can be grown during winter in all of Australia except maybe Canberra and Tasmania.
Growth
Mibuna is a vigorous plant that quickly reaches its short height of 20 cm (8 inches). Like most Brassicas, Mibuna prefers the cooler weather of spring and fall. They have feathery serrated edges and a glossy surface that makes them wonderfully decorative. Hot temperatures may cause the plant to bolt (produce seed).
Most gardeners plant Mibuna by seed as an annual. Sow in a pre-composted location that will ideally get 3-4 hours of full sun per day. Seedlings will grow quickly if sown sparingly, allowing up to 20cm for spacing or separated in pots or tray cells. To avoid Brassica-related diseases avoid planting Mibuna in a plot that previous grew plants such as Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Mustards.
In warmer climates, avoid growing through the summer as plants will perform poorly. Outside of summer plants will thrive all year round if left in a part-shade location.
Baby greens can be harvested in about 20 days; full heads should form around day 40.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 27°C / 45 to 80°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Hardy Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind. Bees required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
96%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA RAPA (Mibuna)
Mibuna is a great source of Vitamins A and K.
Harvest all the leaves from a single plant about an inch above the soil and the leaves will regrow for a second harvest.
The flavour is a cross between arugula (Rocket) and mustard and has a mild peppery taste.
