Red Streaks Mizuna

Family: Brassicaceae Leafy Green

Tender leaves unfurl with a peppery, bright bite and a crisp, juicy snap—then deepen into a pleasantly savory finish.

Red Streaks Mizuna forms an airy rosette of finely cut mizuna leaves, boldly marked with vivid crimson veining that looks as good as it tastes, staying pleasantly crisp through harvest at about 35 days. Ideal for fresh salads and quick stir-fries, it also shines in vibrant sauces and quick pickles where its color and zing carry beautifully.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Red Streaks Mizuna

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 18th
Harvest Begins	May 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Streaks Mizuna hits with a peppery, watery crunch before it settles into a savory brassica finish, so it’s happiest treated like a high-voltage salad green or a quick-hit stir-fry. Use vinegar and sesame/soy to sharpen its bite—overcooking turns that juicy snap into something flabby.

Best Uses

fresh salads where it stays crunchy—dress lightly and eat promptly
quick stir-fries or fast tosses in hot oil to keep the snap
vibrant sauces where the red veining hints color even after mixing
quick pickles for a sharp, clean bite

Flavor Profile

peppery, bright bite crisp, juicy snap with finely cut leaves savory brassica finish

Kitchen Pairings

sesame oil garlic ginger rice vinegar soy sauce chili oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Brassica rapa var. japonica (mizuna), and how do I control it?

Watch for cabbage worms (Pieris spp.) and aphids, which commonly show up on mizuna in warm weather. Inspect the undersides of leaves every 2–3 days and hand-pick caterpillars early, or use row cover to prevent egg-laying; for aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water and spot-treat with insecticidal soap if colonies persist. To reduce disease like downy mildew, avoid watering the foliage and keep plants spaced for airflow.

How often should I water red streaks mizuna during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active leaf growth, keep soil evenly moist—aim for the top 1 inch to stay damp but not soggy. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, increasing frequency if the bed dries quickly, because mizuna will turn tough and bitter when stressed for moisture. Mulch lightly to slow drying, and water at the base to prevent leaf wetness.

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

Harvest in about 35 days (often sooner for baby leaves) when rosettes are firm and leaves are 4–6 inches long with good color and shape. Cut outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center to regrow for a second harvest. If leaves get very small and the plant bolts (flower stalk appears), harvest immediately and plan a new sowing.