Red Mustard Microgreen Seeds

Seeding Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, use approximately:

10–15g of Red Mustard seed per tray

Spread the seed evenly across the growing surface.

Red Mustard does not need an extremely heavy sowing. A moderate density gives the seedlings room to develop while improving airflow through the canopy.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow Red Mustard seed dry directly onto the prepared growing medium.

Small mustard seeds can become difficult to distribute evenly after soaking.

Step 1 – Prepare the Growing Medium

Suitable growing media include:

• Coco coir
• Fine seed-raising mix
• Fine propagation mix
• Quality soil-based microgreen mix
• Suitable hydroponic or fibre growing mats

When using soil or coco, add approximately 2–3cm of growing medium to the tray.

Level the surface and moisten it evenly before sowing.

The medium should be consistently damp without being saturated.

Step 2 – Sow the Seed

1. Measure approximately 10–15g of dry Red Mustard seed.
2. Spread the seed evenly across the prepared surface.
3. Break up any heavily seeded patches.
4. Gently press the seed into contact with the growing medium.
5. Mist lightly with clean drinking-quality water.
6. Cover with another tray or suitable blackout cover.

Heavy burial is unnecessary.

Good seed-to-medium contact helps maintain moisture and encourages even establishment.

Blackout Time

Keep the tray covered for approximately:

2–3 days

A second tray or opaque cover can be used.

Light pressure may be used to improve seed contact, but heavy weighting is unnecessary.

Remove the cover once the seedlings are rooted and beginning to push upwards.

Germination Time

Expect approximately:

2–4 days

Red Mustard generally establishes quickly under suitable conditions.

Maintain consistent moisture without flooding or leaving the seed layer permanently saturated.

Ideal Growing Temperature

Aim for approximately:

18–24°C

Moderate indoor temperatures support compact growth and reliable germination.

Avoid excessive heat combined with stagnant humidity.

Step 3 – Introduce Light

Once germination is established:

1. Remove the blackout cover.
2. Place the tray under bright indirect natural light or suitable grow lights.
3. Maintain good airflow.
4. Rotate the tray if necessary for even development.

Good light encourages:

• Compact stems
• Stronger foliage
• Better red-purple pigmentation
• More uniform growth

Colour intensity can vary with temperature, light and harvest stage.

Step 4 – Watering

During early germination, mist gently whenever necessary to keep the growing surface moist.

Once the roots are established, bottom watering is preferable.

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist.
• Avoid permanent saturation.
• Do not leave standing water beneath the tray.
• Minimise repeated wetting of established foliage.
• Maintain good airflow.

Step 5 – Harvest

Harvest approximately:

8–12 days from sowing

Red Mustard microgreens are generally ready when:

• The crop is upright and healthy
• Cotyledons are fully open
• Red, burgundy or purple colouring is visible
• The first true leaves are beginning to appear if preferred
• Shoots are approximately 5–8cm tall
• The characteristic peppery mustard flavour has developed

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a harvesting knife.

Other Ways to Grow Red Mustard

Growing as Baby Leaf

Red Mustard can be allowed to grow beyond the microgreen stage.

For baby leaf:

1. Sow substantially less densely than for microgreens.
2. Allow additional space between plants.
3. Continue growing after the first true leaves appear.
4. Provide bright light.
5. Maintain consistent moisture.
6. Harvest when the leaves reach your preferred size.

Growing to Full Maturity

For mature mustard greens:

1. Direct sow or raise seedlings in trays.
2. Thin or transplant established seedlings.
3. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
4. Provide full sun to partial shade.
5. Maintain regular moisture.
6. Harvest younger outside leaves progressively.

Mustard greens generally perform particularly well during moderate to cooler conditions.

Tips for Best Results

Do Not Over-Seed

Use approximately 10–15g per 25 × 50cm tray.

A very dense seed layer can reduce airflow and encourage moisture to remain trapped around the stems.

Do Not Pre-Soak

The small seed germinates readily without soaking.

Dry sowing also makes even seed distribution considerably easier.

Keep Blackout Short

Approximately 2–3 days is generally sufficient.

Move the seedlings into light once they are established rather than allowing them to stretch excessively beneath the cover.

Use Good Light for Better Colour

Red-purple pigmentation can vary considerably.

Good light after germination generally encourages stronger colour and more compact growth.

Maintain Good Airflow

As the canopy closes, airflow becomes increasingly important.

Combine good airflow with bottom watering to avoid maintaining constantly wet foliage.

Root Hairs vs Mould

Fine white root hairs can sometimes be mistaken for mould.

Root hairs generally:

• Grow directly from individual roots
• Have a relatively uniform appearance
• Become more noticeable as roots dry slightly
• Become less visible immediately after watering

Mould is more likely to:

• Spread irregularly between seedlings
• Form web-like patches
• Persist after watering
• Develop alongside slime, discolouration or unpleasant odours

If you are uncertain about the condition of a crop, discard it.

Key Growing Tips

• Use approximately 10–15g per 25 × 50cm tray.
• Do not pre-soak.
• Sow evenly.
• Blackout for approximately 2–3 days.
• Expect germination in approximately 2–4 days.
• Maintain approximately 18–24°C.
• Provide bright light after blackout.
• Maintain good airflow.
• Bottom water once roots establish.
• Harvest at approximately 8–12 days.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest when the foliage is dry where practical.

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a harvesting knife.

For refrigerated storage:

1. Keep harvested Red Mustard as dry as practical.
2. Place it loosely in a clean container.
3. Refrigerate promptly.
4. Avoid crushing or tightly packing the foliage.

If washed before refrigeration, drain and dry thoroughly first.

Food Safety

Use clean equipment, fresh growing medium and drinking-quality water throughout production.

Maintain:

• Clean trays
• Good drainage
• Adequate airflow
• Appropriate moisture levels
• Clean harvesting equipment
• Prompt refrigeration after harvest

Do not consume microgreens showing visible mould, slime, abnormal discolouration, unpleasant odours or other signs of spoilage.

Good hygiene and growing practices can reduce food-safety risks but cannot guarantee that raw microgreens are free from harmful microorganisms.