Name: Organic 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Organic seeds Brassicaceae

Gaia

Brassica juncea

From seed to harvest

Common nameDragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusBrassica

Speciesjuncea

TypeOrganic seeds

Botanical nameBrassica juncea

Organic 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard Seeds (Brassica juncea). This open-pollinated heirloom mustard was bred by Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed from Horned and Miike lines. Bright green leaves display strong purple veining and broad midribs that thicken as plants mature. Textured baby leaves offer sweet, full mustard flavour with moderate heat, while larger leaves make excellent stir-fry greens. The variety bolts slowly and performs especially well in cool weather. Each Gaia packet contains approximately 100 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. The cultivar is also pledged through the Open Source Seed Initiative. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked, planting seeds approximately 1.3 to 2.5 cm deep. Germination generally takes 5 to 10 days between 2 and 23°C, with an optimal range of 15 to 21°C. Thin plants to 5 to 10 cm apart and allow 30 to 61 cm between rows. For a continuous baby-leaf harvest, make small successive sowings in spring and again in late summer. Keep the soil moist during emergence without saturating it, and protect young seedlings from flea beetles if they are active. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Grow Dragon Tongue in sun or partial shade and fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture encourages tender leaves and balanced flavour. Plants mature in about 45 days, but harvest can begin when leaves reach approximately 8 cm: cut them 2.5 cm above the soil to permit regrowth. Cool autumn weather intensifies leaf colour and mellows the flavour. Harvest broad midribs before they become fibrous. Wash and dry the leaves, then refrigerate them promptly in a closed container. Use the youngest leaves first for their most delicate texture at home.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

13 to 25 mm (1/2 to 1 in), direct sowing

Spacing / density

5 to 10 cm between plants; 30 to 61 cm between rows

Germination temperature

2 to 23°C; optimum 15 to 21°C

Germination time

5 to 10 days

Sowing period

Direct seed as soon as the soil can be worked. Harvest leaves as desired.

Propagation

Seed propagation

Growing method

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct seed as soon as the soil can be worked. Harvest leaves as desired. 1/2-1″ direct 2-23°C 5 to 10 days Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Moderate

Seasonal care

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Direct seed as soon as the soil can be worked. Harvest leaves as desired. 1/2-1″ direct 2-23°C 5 to 10 days Harvest when leaves are 3” tall by cutting 1” from the ground. Dill, Fennel, Yarrow, Mint, Corn, Peas, Rosemary, Thyme, Beets, Celery, Carrot, Lettuce, Onion. The packet contains 100 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 5 to 10 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

183 to 244 cm (6 to 8 ft)

Width / spread

15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in)

Flower color

Yellow

Foliage color

Bright green with purple veins and contrasting midribs

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Rosette or compact clump

Bloom period

When several plants are allowed to bolt, small four-petalled yellow flowers appear on upright stems. They provide pollen and nectar for bees, hoverflies, and other visiting insects. To extend the leaf harvest, remove flower stalks; to save seed, allow the pods to mature completely during dry weather instead. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season.

Fruiting

After flowering, Dragon Tongue forms elongated pods filled with small seeds. To harvest them, wait until the pods turn brown and dry, then cut the stems before they split. This open-pollinated variety can cross with other Brassica juncea mustards; isolate seed plants if you want to preserve its traits faithfully. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season.

Harvest

Harvest when leaves are 3” tall by cutting 1” from the ground.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Plants to avoid

Sunflower, Beans, Strawberry.

Garden use

In the garden, place Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Harvest when leaves are 3” tall by cutting 1” from the ground. Dill, Fennel, Yarrow, Mint, Corn, Peas, Rosemary, Thyme, Beets, Celery, Carrot, Lettuce, Onion. The packet contains 100 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard seeds are in the packet?

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, the packet information states: Approximately 100 seeds · lot GOGOG490 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard seeds in Canada?

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, the stated sowing period is Direct seed as soon as the soil can be worked. Harvest leaves as desired. The recommended method is Seed propagation, at a depth of 13 to 25 mm (1/2 to 1 in), direct sowing. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard seeds take to germinate?

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, the stated germination period is 5 to 10 days, with a germination temperature of 2 to 23°C; optimum 15 to 21°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard in the garden?

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, the recommended exposure is Full sun to partial shade. The stated spacing guideline is 5 to 10 cm between plants; 30 to 61 cm between rows. For container growing, the product record recommends: 5 to 10 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Dragon Tongue' / Ho Mi Z Mustard?

For Dragon Tongue / Ho Mi Z, the confirmed edible parts are: Baby leaves, mature leaves, midribs, flower buds, and flowers. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.