You may not realize it, but did you know that mustard seeds actually come from the vegetable mustard greens? Most people simply enjoy mustard greens as a leafy vegetable, but, if left to flower and go to seeds, you'll get mustard seeds! Mustard seeds can be used in a number of different ways including as a spice, or made into actual mustard paste. If you're interested in learning how to grow mustard seeds, keep reading our easy to follow gardening guide and become a master gardener!
How to Grow Mustard Seeds in Your Garden
Planting Mustard Seeds:
- Plant the mustard seeds about three weeks before the last frost date. You can do this by starting the seeds indoors in a small box.
- Each mustard seed should be planted about an inch apart.
- Use a good quality, well draining organic soil mix.
- Once sprouted, thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart.
- If you're planting mustard seedlings straight from a nursery, you should plant them 6 inches apart.
Caring for Mustard Seed Plants:
- These plants do not like very warm weather, so be sure to plant as early in the spring as you can.
- Water regularly, about 2 inches per week.
- If you live in a warmer climate, plant your mustard seed plant in shade.
How to Harvest Mustard Seeds:
- As your mustard seed plant grows, it will start to form yellow or white flowers, depending on the variety you've chosen.
- Once the flowers fall, the plant will produce “pods”.
- These pods are what hold the mustard seeds.
- Keep an eye out for when the pods turn a brown color OR when the leaves of the mustard greens turn yellow.
- Don't wait too long to harvest the pods, because if you do, they may burst and you will lose all of the seeds.
- Now that you've harvested the pods, place them on a paper plate or bag and allow them to open naturally (this could take 1-2 weeks).
- You can also shake the pods gently onto a paper bag to loosen up the seeds.
- Use the seeds in dishes, grind them, or dry them for longer storage.
So now that you know how to grow mustard seeds, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
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