Mizuna Red Streaks Mustard Seeds

Mizuna Red Streaks Mustard (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica) is a striking Japanese heirloom salad green prized for its finely serrated, deeply divided leaves highlighted with beautiful burgundy-red veins and stems. Combining exceptional ornamental beauty with a mild, slightly peppery flavor, this elegant mizuna produces abundant harvests throughout the cool growing season. Its graceful, feathery foliage adds color, texture, and outstanding flavor to salads while thriving in gardens where many other leafy greens struggle.

Introduction

Red Streaks Mizuna is one of those vegetables that instantly catches your eye. Its finely cut foliage creates a soft, feathery appearance, while brilliant crimson veins contrast beautifully against the deep green leaves. Equally attractive in raised beds, containers, or ornamental edible gardens, this fast-growing variety delivers weeks of continuous harvests with very little effort. Young leaves are wonderfully tender for fresh salads, while mature foliage adds excellent flavor to cooked dishes.

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Red Streaks Mizuna offers a fresh, mild mustard flavor with just a hint of peppery spice that never overwhelms the palate. The tender leaves are outstanding in gourmet salads, mesclun mixes, sandwiches, and wraps, while mature foliage is delicious lightly sautéed, added to stir-fries, soups, noodle dishes, and Asian-inspired recipes. Its colorful foliage also makes an attractive garnish for serving plates and fresh vegetable dishes.

Growing Information

Mizuna thrives in cool weather and grows rapidly in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. Plants tolerate light frosts extremely well, and cool temperatures enhance both leaf color and flavor. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous new growth throughout the season.

• Botanical Name: Brassica rapa var. nipposinica
• Plant Type: Cool-season leafy vegetable
• Days to Maturity: 35–45 days
• Plant Height: 12–18 inches
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 8–10 inches

History & Interesting Facts

Mizuna has been cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years and is considered one of the country's traditional leafy vegetables. Red Streaks is a colorful selection that combines the classic finely divided foliage of mizuna with striking burgundy-red veining for added ornamental appeal. Like other members of the Brassica family, it is closely related to cabbage, kale, broccoli, and turnips, while offering one of the mildest and most versatile flavors in the group.