Mizuna 'Frilly'

Family: Brassicaceae Leafy Green

Tender, frilly leaves unfurl with a crisp, peppery snap and a clean, green sweetness that feels bright from the first harvest.

Mizuna ‘Frilly’ forms a compact rosette of finely cut foliage—delicate in texture yet satisfying in body—ideal for quick, fresh-forward salads and vivid garnishes. Grow it for repeat harvests over a long season, and enjoy its lively bite in stir-fries, sautés, and silky sauces, or for pickling-style tang when you want extra zing.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Mizuna 'Frilly'

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mizuna ’Frilly’ eats like a delicate brassica—tender frills with real peppery snap, then a clean green sweetness that doesn’t go harsh if you keep cooking brief. Use it at the end of a hot pan or as a chopped salad base so you get that quick zing without turning the leaves flat.

Best Uses

chop-and-toss salads where it holds a peppery crunch under vinaigrette
quick stir-fries at high heat (wilt fast, keep color)
garnering bowls and noodles—use as a bright top layer at the end
stir-through sauce or sauté finish to add a fresh, mild mustard edge

Flavor Profile

peppery bite with a crisp, snappy leaf texture clean green sweetness slight mustardy heat that fades fast tender frills that stay light, not rubbery

Kitchen Pairings

sesame oil ginger soy sauce garlic lemon soft goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on mizuna (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa), and how do I control it?

Mizuna in Brassicaceae beds commonly gets flea beetles, which leave small shot-like holes in leaves. Cover seedlings with a fine row cover as soon as you sow, and remove covers only for watering if needed. If damage shows up, treat in the early evening with an insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until new leaves stay unscorched.

How often should I water mizuna during its main growing phase to keep it tender?

During the 2–3 weeks of steady growth toward harvest, keep the soil consistently evenly moist but never waterlogged. As a home rule, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry—usually about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and wind. Stress from letting it dry out too much can push mizuna toward faster bitterness and earlier flowering.

How can I tell when mizuna 'Frilly' is ready to harvest?

Harvest around 35–40 days after sowing when leaves are about 4–6 inches long and the rosettes look full but still leafy. You can cut outer leaves first (leave the inner growth to regrow) or take the whole plant once it reaches the desired size. If you notice the plant starting to send up a flower stalk, harvest immediately for the best flavor and tenderness.