Organic 'South Giant Curled Mustard'
Organic 'South Giant Curled Mustard' (Brassica juncea crispifolia) from the seed company Gaia, a robust and flavorful giant curly mustard
'South Giant' curly mustard is a vigorous, cold-hardy heirloom variety, prized for its large, deep green, curly leaves . It grows quickly and thrives best in cool weather , making it an excellent choice for early spring or autumn harvests. Its leaves offer a mild to medium spicy flavor, ideal both raw in salads and sautéed or cooked as a leafy green. Highly nutritious and rich in vitamins A and C , it combines ornamental appeal, generous yield, and great culinary versatility.
Companion plants : Dill, Fennel, Yarrow, Mint, Corn, Peas, Rosemary, Thyme, Beetroot, Celery, Carrot, Lettuce, Onion, Cucumber
Nefarious plants : Sunflower, Bean, Strawberry, Turnip, Knotweed
Spread/Habit : Wide, curly rosette
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Giant, curly leaves, mildly spicy flavor, very nutritious, cold-hardy, ideal for cooler seasons
Leaf color : Deep green
Texture/flavor : Thick, curly, slightly peppery leaves
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable . To improve germination, soak the seeds for up to 12 hours in lukewarm water. Sow them at a depth of 1.25–2.5 cm . Provide partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 5–10 cm apart and rows 30–60 cm apart. Germination occurs in 5–10 days at temperatures between 2–23°C (optimum 15–21°C).
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the leaves reach approximately 7 cm , cutting the plant 2.5 cm from the ground to encourage rapid regrowth. Store in a cool place in sand in a root cellar, at 1–2 °C , to prolong their freshness.
Usage ideas
• In salads for a curly texture and a pleasant spicy note
• Sautéed with garlic for a flavorful leafy green
• As a base for soups or mild curries
• Mixed with other spring greens
• As an edible ornamental leaf on plates
'South Giant Curled' mustard combines hardiness, curly beauty, and culinary versatility. A generous heirloom variety, ideal for cool-season gardens and lovers of nutritious leafy greens.
