Red Giant Mustard (Brassica spp.) is a stunning, ornamental green that not only adds bold color to your garden but also offers a unique peppery flavor perfect for culinary use. Native to Japan, this vibrant mustard variety features large, red-tinged leaves with a frilly, textured appearance. Known for its fast growth, Red Giant Mustard is a hardy plant that thrives in cooler weather and provides a nutritious, spicy addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups. This packet contains 1500 seeds, providing plenty of opportunities to grow this striking and flavorful green in your garden.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Color: The deep red and purple hues of the Red Giant Mustard’s leaves create a striking contrast in your garden, making it a beautiful ornamental plant as well as a culinary green.
• Spicy Flavor: With a bold, peppery flavor similar to other mustards, Red Giant Mustard adds a spicy kick to dishes like salads, stir-fries, and sandwiches.
• Fast-Growing: This mustard variety grows quickly, allowing you to harvest fresh greens in a matter of weeks. It's perfect for gardeners looking for fast results.
• Cold-Hardy: Red Giant Mustard thrives in cooler temperatures and is an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens, withstanding light frosts.
• Edible & Ornamental: Not only does Red Giant Mustard offer culinary benefits, but its colorful foliage makes it an attractive plant in ornamental gardens, providing both beauty and function.

Growing Information:

• Light: Red Giant Mustard prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
• Soil: The plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down. They need light to germinate, so avoid covering them completely.
  • Space the seeds or seedlings about 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  • Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy leaf development.
  • Red Giant Mustard grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days after planting for baby greens or 50-60 days for mature leaves.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: The bold, spicy flavor of Red Giant Mustard makes it a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and stir-fries. It can also be sautéed or added to soups for extra flavor.
• Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, Red Giant Mustard is a healthy addition to your diet. It supports immune health, bone health, and digestive function.
• Cold-Hardy: This mustard is well-suited for cooler climates and can tolerate light frosts, making it an ideal crop for early spring or late fall harvests.
• Ornamental Appeal: The striking red and purple foliage of Red Giant Mustard provides an ornamental touch to your garden, making it an attractive choice for edible landscaping or garden beds.
• Fast Growing: With a quick turnaround time from planting to harvest, this variety is perfect for gardeners seeking fast-growing greens to enjoy throughout the season.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. Red Giant Mustard thrives in cooler temperatures and is a great choice for early spring or fall gardening. It can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Landscaping: Plant Red Giant Mustard in your edible garden to add both beauty and flavor. Its bold, colorful leaves create visual interest in vegetable gardens or mixed herb beds.
• Container Gardening: If space is limited, Red Giant Mustard is a great option for container gardening. It grows well in large pots or raised beds and can be grown on patios, balconies, or windowsills.
• Cool-Season Garden: Red Giant Mustard is ideal for cool-season gardening, particularly in spring and fall. Plant it alongside other leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, or arugula for a diverse and flavorful harvest.
• Pollinator Garden: While Red Giant Mustard is primarily grown for its edible leaves, its flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a good addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Conclusion: Red Giant Mustard (Brassica spp.) is an exceptional plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and culinary benefits. Its vibrant red leaves make it a standout in ornamental gardens, while its peppery flavor enhances a wide variety of dishes. Fast-growing, cold-hardy, and nutrient-rich, it’s a perfect choice for gardeners looking for quick results and flavorful greens. With 1500 seeds in this packet, you'll have plenty of opportunities to cultivate a bountiful crop of these beautiful, spicy greens. Whether you're growing it for its stunning foliage, quick harvest, or zesty flavor, Red Giant Mustard is a must-have for your garden.