Southern Giant Curled Mustard (Ostrich Plume Brassica Juncea) Vegetable Herb Seeds

Southern Giant Curled Mustard (Brassica juncea), also called Ostrich Plume Mustard, is a popular cool-season heirloom grown for its broad, deeply ruffled leaves and vigorous leafy production. This Non-GMO mustard variety is fast-growing, cold-hardy, and ideal for home gardens, fall planting, containers, raised beds, and market-style leafy crop production. Its frilled, decorative leaves make it both functional and visually appealing in garden beds.

Features

• Deeply curled, ruffled green leaves
• Non-GMO heirloom Brassica juncea
• Fast growing with heavy leafy production
• Excellent for cool-season gardens and fall planting
• Thrives in containers, raised beds, and open garden rows
• Cold tolerant and ideal for extended harvest periods
• Highly ornamental foliage with “Ostrich Plume” effect

Specifications

• Common Name: Southern Giant Curled Mustard, Ostrich Plume Mustard
• Scientific Name: Brassica juncea
• Plant Type: Annual leafy crop
• USDA Zones: 3–10 (cool-season growth)
• Season: Best in spring and fall
• Height: 12–24 inches
• Leaf Type: Large, curled green frilled foliage
• Bloom Color: Yellow (if allowed to bolt)
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile garden soil
• Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Days to Maturity: 40–60 days
• Heat Tolerance: Moderate; prefers cool weather
• Cold Tolerance: Good as a leafy crop
• Plant Spacing: 6–12 inches
• Seed Longevity: 4–5 years stored cool and dry

Planting Guide 

• Sowing Method: Direct sow outdoors or start indoors and transplant.
• Seed Preparation: No treatment required.
• When to Plant:
• Spring: As soon as soil can be worked
• Fall: Late summer planting for cool-season harvest
• Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch.
• Germination Time: 5–14 days.
• Light Requirements: Full sun for strongest growth; partial shade tolerated.
• Soil Conditions: Loose, fertile soil with steady moisture.
• Watering: Keep evenly moist; do not allow prolonged dryness.
• Maintenance:
• Harvest outer leaves to promote continuous growth
• Avoid hot midsummer planting to prevent bolting
• Thin seedlings for proper spacing and fuller foliage