Southern Giant Curled Mustard, also known as Ostrich Plume Mustard, is a large-leaved, cold-hardy mustard variety prized for its vibrant green, frilly, and curly leaves. Known for its robust flavor, this mustard offers a spicy and slightly tangy taste, making it a perfect addition to both salads and cooked dishes. The plant is highly productive and grows rapidly, providing gardeners with an abundance of nutrient-dense greens throughout the growing season. Its tender yet flavorful leaves are used for sautéing, steaming, or as a raw addition to salads. Additionally, this mustard variety thrives in a variety of climates, making it suitable for both warmer and cooler regions.

Key Features:

• Large, Curled Leaves: The Southern Giant Curled Mustard features large, deep green, frilly, and curly leaves that not only look beautiful but also have a distinctive spicy flavor.
• Cold-Hardy: This variety is tolerant of cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for early spring or late fall plantings.
• Nutrient-Rich: Mustard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and fiber. They are a great addition to a healthy diet.
• Fast-Growing: This mustard grows quickly, often maturing within 45-60 days from seed, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the growing season.
• Versatile Use: Can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, from raw salads to stir-fries, soups, or steamed dishes.

Growing Information:

• Light: Southern Giant Curled Mustard thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best results, plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for optimal growth.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop.
  • Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  • For successive harvests, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially in dry periods, to promote healthy leaf growth.
• Maintenance: Keep the area around the plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients. Remove any old or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Consider using a light layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: Mustard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for supporting overall health and immune function.
• Supports Digestion: The fiber content in mustard greens helps promote healthy digestion and bowel regularity.
• Versatile Culinary Herb: Can be eaten raw, used in salads, or cooked in a variety of dishes. Their robust flavor adds a spicy kick to any recipe.
• Cold-Hardy: Ideal for cooler growing seasons, as it can withstand light frosts and continues to grow even in colder weather.
• Fast Harvest: With a quick growing cycle, this mustard provides gardeners with a rapid and reliable harvest, often within just 45-60 days from planting.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. It thrives in cooler climates but can also do well in mild winter areas for fall plantings.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Garden: Incorporate this mustard into your vegetable garden for a hearty and flavorful addition to your leafy greens section.
• Companion Planting: Plant Southern Giant Curled Mustard alongside other vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, and peas to help suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects.
• Culinary Herb Garden: Grow this mustard as part of your herb garden to easily access fresh, homegrown mustard greens for cooking.
• Fall and Winter Plantings: Since it’s cold-hardy, Southern Giant Curled Mustard is perfect for late-season gardening. It can be planted for a fall or even winter harvest in milder climates.

Conclusion: Southern Giant Curled Mustard (Ostrich Plume Brassica Juncea) is a versatile, fast-growing, and nutrient-dense herb that is a great addition to any vegetable or herb garden. With its curly, frilly leaves and bold, tangy flavor, it’s perfect for salads, soups, and cooked dishes. Ideal for cooler climates or those looking to grow an early spring or late fall crop, this mustard is a reliable and easy-to-grow choice for gardeners at all levels. With 3000 seeds per packet, you’ll have plenty of mustard greens to enjoy throughout the growing season.