my LocalPlanting

How to Grow Mustard

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Get Your Exact Mustard Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP, city, state, or zone for a personalized planting calendar.

Try:

Ready to grow Mustard?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

Amazon True Leaf

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supplies You'll Need

Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica juncea
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 56 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Regular

Germination

1-7 days

Ready to Grow Mustard?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

Buy on Amazon True Leaf Market

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Seed Saving Guide

Easy
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest seed pods just as they turn tan — before they shatter and seeds drop.

Processing

Cut stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds from pods, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Mustard crosses freely within the Brassica family — isolate by 300 feet from other mustard varieties.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Mustard Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Mustard Planting Calendar by State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine View all states →

Other Plants

Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini Sunflower Marigold Zinnia Nasturtium Cosmos Echinacea (Coneflower) Petunia Black-eyed Susan Apple Tree Pear Tree Peach Tree Plum Tree Sweet Cherry Tree Lemon Tree Borage Lemongrass Ginger Stevia Tomatillo Edamame Fava Bean Mâche Mizuna Sorrel Shishito Pepper Banana Pepper Watermelon Radish Napa Cabbage Popcorn Broccoli Raab Catnip Valerian Lemon Verbena Bee Balm Anise Lovage Chervil Summer Savory Dahlia Snapdragon Pansy Sweet Pea Morning Glory Hollyhock Larkspur Bachelor Button Columbine Impatiens Salvia (Annual) Sweet Alyssum Celosia Lupine Verbena Elderberry Grape Vine Red Currant Gooseberry Serviceberry Fig Tree Avocado Tree Persimmon Tree Olive Tree Tulip Daffodil Crocus Hyacinth Grape Hyacinth Ornamental Allium Bearded Iris Snowdrop Asiatic Lily Gladiolus Hydrangea Rose Lilac Azalea Rhododendron Butterfly Bush Peony Hosta Daylily Red Maple Japanese Maple Flowering Dogwood Southern Magnolia Eastern Redbud Crape Myrtle Arborvitae Boxwood

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mustard? +

Sow Mustard seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Mustard take to grow? +

Mustard typically matures in about 56 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Mustard indoors or direct sow? +

Mustard does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Mustard need? +

Mustard requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Mustard need? +

Mustard has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Mustard? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Mustard is rated easy. Harvest seed pods just as they turn tan — before they shatter and seeds drop. Cut stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds from pods, winnow lightly.

How long do Mustard seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Mustard seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Mustard seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Mustard is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Mustard

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a popular garden vegetable. It can be directly sown outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

Expect your Mustard to be ready for harvest in approximately 56 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.