Red Kingdom

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Velvety, richly hued leaves of Red Kingdom unfurl with a captivating deep burgundy cast and a peppery mustard bite that lingers pleasantly.

At maturity in about 35 days, the foliage forms a tender, upright rosette with a crisp, succulent texture—ideal for stirring into vibrant greens, quick sautés, and bold sauces, or for pickling into tangy, colorful accents. Grow it for its striking color as much as its lively flavor, and enjoy a steady harvest of garden-fresh mustard greens all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Rosette

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	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Kingdom mustard greens bring a crisp, succulent crunch with a peppery sting that stays articulate—especially once you hit them with fat (oil) and acid (lemon) to round the bitterness. They’re built for fast heat and bold sauces, where the burgundy color and mustard bite make every plate look and taste louder.

Best Uses

quick sauté with garlic and a splash of acid to tame the heat
stir into warm grains or beans so the bite turns silky instead of harsh
blend into a punchy pesto/chimichurri-style sauce with plenty of oil and lemon
pickling or quick brining for crunchy, burgundy-tinted tangy accents

Flavor Profile

peppery mustard bite crisp-succulent leaf texture slightly bitter, velvety greens finish tangy edge that sharpens when heated

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon chili flakes olive oil smoked pork eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica rapa var. niposinica (Kyoto Mizuna), and how do I control it?

Watch for flea beetles and aphids, which commonly chew leaves and can leave distorted foliage. Use row cover immediately after sowing and remove it only for weeding/harvest; if you see active outbreaks, spray with insecticidal soap and reapply as needed every few days until pressure drops. If leaves develop fuzzy gray/white growth, improve airflow by thinning and water at the soil line rather than on the foliage to reduce fungal spread.

How often should I water Brassica rapa var. niposinica during the main growing phase?

During the ~35-day growing period, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week (more often during hot, windy spells), aiming for steady growth and tender leaves—dry spells followed by heavy watering can make growth uneven.

How can I tell when red Kyoto mizuna (Brassica rapa var. niposinica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 35 days from sowing when plants form a compact rosette and leaves are tender, typically 4–6 inches long. For best flavor, pick outer leaves first or cut the whole plant in the morning; leaves that start looking tough or overly thick are past prime.