Southern Giant Curled Mustard (Brassica juncea), also called Ostrich Plume Mustard, is a popular cool-season heirloom grown for its broad, deeply ruffled leaves and vigorous leafy production. This Non-GMO mustard variety is fast-growing, cold-hardy, and ideal for home gardens, fall planting, containers, raised beds, and market-style leafy crop production. Its frilled, decorative leaves make it both functional and visually appealing in garden beds.
Features
- Deeply curled, ruffled green leaves
- Non-GMO heirloom Brassica juncea
- Fast growing with heavy leafy production
- Excellent for cool-season gardens and fall planting
- Thrives in containers, raised beds, and open garden rows
- Cold tolerant and ideal for extended harvest periods
- Highly ornamental foliage with “Ostrich Plume” effect
Specifications
- Common Name: Southern Giant Curled Mustard, Ostrich Plume Mustard
- Scientific Name: Brassica juncea
- Plant Type: Annual leafy crop
- USDA Zones: 3–10 (cool-season growth)
- Season: Best in spring and fall
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Leaf Type: Large, curled green frilled foliage
- Bloom Color: Yellow (if allowed to bolt)
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile garden soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Days to Maturity: 40–60 days
- Heat Tolerance: Moderate; prefers cool weather
- Cold Tolerance: Good as a leafy crop
- Plant Spacing: 6–12 inches
- Seed Longevity: 4–5 years stored cool and dry
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Direct sow outdoors or start indoors and transplant.
- Seed Preparation: No treatment required.
- When to Plant:
- Spring: As soon as soil can be worked
- Fall: Late summer planting for cool-season harvest
- Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch.
- Germination Time: 5–14 days.
- Light Requirements: Full sun for strongest growth; partial shade tolerated.
- Soil Conditions: Loose, fertile soil with steady moisture.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist; do not allow prolonged dryness.
- Maintenance:
- Harvest outer leaves to promote continuous growth
- Avoid hot midsummer planting to prevent bolting
- Thin seedlings for proper spacing and fuller foliage
