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Lettuce · Brassica rapa var. japonica
Mizuna
Mizuna is a serrated, feathery leaves lettuce. Ready from roughly day 18. Germination takes 7-10 days. Space 4-6 inches apart. Full sun to part shade.
18days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z5–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Sowing
Direct sow after last frost or in late summer for fall harvest
Cultivation
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- High — consistent moisture needed
- Soil
- Well-draining loam, neutral to slightly acidic pH 6.0-7.0
- Spacing
- 4-6 inches
- Height
- 3 feet
- Season
- Warm season annual
Appearance & flavour
- Colour
- Bright green
- Shape
- Serrated, feathery leaves
- Flavour
- Mild, slightly peppery flavor with delicate, tender texture and a gentle bite.
In the kitchen
Salads, Asian stir-fries, garnish, sushi accompaniment, microgreens
Pests, disease & resistance
- Pests
- Cabbage moths, flea beetles, slugs, aphids
- Diseases
- Downy mildew, clubroot, white rust
Planting calendar by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | June – July | June – September |
| 2 | — | — | May – July | June – September |
| 3 | — | — | May – June | May – October |
| 4 | — | — | April – June | May – October |
| 5 | — | — | April – May | May – November |
| 6 | — | — | April – May | April – November |
| 7 | — | — | March – May | April – November |
| 8 | — | — | March – April | March – December |
| 9 | — | — | February – March | February – December |
| 10 | — | — | January – March | February – December |
| 11 | — | — | January – February | January – December |
| 12 | — | — | January – February | January – December |
| 13 | — | — | January – February | January – December |
Companion planting
16 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 6 to avoid.
LettuceShallow roots don't compete, provides living mulch and maximizes space usage
RadishesHelps break up soil, deters flea beetles that commonly attack brassicas
CarrotsDeep taproot doesn't compete with shallow mizuna roots, improves soil structure
OnionsStrong scent repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage pests
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids, draws pests away from mizuna
SpinachSimilar growing requirements, harvested at different times for succession planting
ChivesRepels aphids and cabbage worms with sulfur compounds
RadishesBreak up soil for shallow mizuna roots and deter flea beetles
CarrotsDifferent root depths avoid competition and carrots repel some pests
ChivesRepel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that damage mizuna leaves
MarigoldsDeter flea beetles, aphids, and other pests that commonly attack brassicas
SpinachSimilar growing conditions and harvest times, efficient space usage
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids, protecting mizuna
LettuceCompatible growing requirements and can be interplanted for succession harvests
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on pests affecting brassicas
Avoid
StrawberriesCan inhibit growth of brassicas and may compete for similar nutrients
TomatoesMay stunt brassica growth and attract pests that also damage mizuna
Pole beansCan shade mizuna excessively and compete for nitrogen in soil
BroccoliCompetes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like cabbage worms
StrawberriesMay inhibit growth of brassicas through root competition
TomatoesDifferent water and nutrient needs, tomatoes may shade out mizuna
Nutrition (per 100 g)
- Protein (g)
- 0.742
- Fat (g)
- 0.0738
- Carbohydrate (g)
- 3.37
- Vitamin K (µg)
- 20.5
- Vitamin B6 (mg)
- 0.0401
- Calcium (mg)
- 14.2
- Iron (mg)
- 0.0332
- Magnesium (mg)
- 6.31
- Phosphorus (mg)
- 19.2
- Potassium (mg)
- 139
- Zinc (mg)
- 0.173
Where to buy seed and equipment
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.
Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.
DarkGrow forum
Grown Mizuna?
Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.
Similar varieties
Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Mizuna suits these too.
- Red Baron Plus 19 days
- Elegance Greens Mix 21 days
- Red Splendor 21 days
- Red Giant 21 days
- Scarlet Frills 21 days
- Golden Frills 21 days