Southern Giant Curled Mustard Seeds – Heirloom, Non-GMO, 1935 AAS Winner

Grow a classic Southern garden favorite with Southern Giant Curled Mustard Seeds. This heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety produces large, bright green leaves with deeply curled and fringed edges. The tender leaves have a mild mustard flavor and may be harvested young for fresh baby greens or allowed to mature for cooking.

Southern Giant Curled is an annual Brassica juncea variety and a 1935 All-America Selections Gold Medal Winner. Its vigorous, upright plants are cold tolerant, slow to bolt, and well suited for spring and fall gardens, raised beds, and containers.

Why Grow Southern Giant Curled Mustard?

• Heirloom: An open-pollinated variety valued by generations of gardeners.
• Non-GMO: Seeds are from a variety with no genetic modification.
• AAS Winner: Recognized as a 1935 All-America Selections Gold Medal Winner.
• Fast Harvest: Baby leaves may be ready in approximately 21 days.
• Full-Size Greens: Mature leaves are generally ready in approximately 30–45 days.
• Cold Tolerant: Performs especially well during cool spring and fall weather.
• Slow to Bolt: Offers a useful harvest window under suitable growing conditions.
• Container Friendly: Suitable for garden plots, raised beds, and large containers.
• Versatile Harvest: Grow for baby leaves or full-size cooking greens.

Southern Giant Curled Mustard Quick Facts

Common Name	Southern Giant Curled Mustard
Botanical Name	Brassica juncea
Seed Type	Heirloom, Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated
Life Cycle	Annual
Award	1935 AAS Gold Medal Winner
Leaf Color	Bright Green
Flavor	Mild and Tender
Baby Leaf Harvest	Approximately 21 Days
Full-Size Harvest	Approximately 30–45 Days
Sunlight	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Temperature Preference	Cool Weather
Common Growing Zones	USDA Zones 3–7 as an Annual Crop
Plant Height	Approximately 10–24 Inches
Plant Spread	Approximately 18–24 Inches
Growing Locations	Garden Plots, Raised Beds and Containers

When to Plant Mustard Greens

Southern Giant Curled mustard performs best during cooler weather. Direct sow in early spring when the soil can be worked. For a fall crop, sow approximately six to eight weeks before the expected first fall frost.

In cooler climates, additional plantings may be made through summer. In regions with hot summers, grow this variety mainly during spring, fall, or winter. Prolonged temperatures above approximately 85°F may reduce leaf quality and encourage premature flowering or bolting.

How to Plant Southern Giant Curled Mustard Seeds

1. Prepare fertile, well-draining soil and remove large weeds or debris.
2. Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep.
3. Cover lightly with soil and water gently to avoid displacing the seeds.
4. Keep the upper layer of soil consistently moist while seedlings establish.
5. Thin seedlings according to the type of harvest desired.

Spacing for Baby Leaves

For tender baby mustard greens, plants may be grown close together. Thin seedlings to approximately 1–2 inches apart and harvest while the leaves are young.

Spacing for Full-Size Plants

For larger mature plants, thin seedlings to approximately 6–12 inches apart. Allow approximately 15–24 inches between rows to improve airflow, garden access, and leaf development.

Succession Planting for a Longer Harvest

Sow a small section every two to three weeks during suitable cool weather. Succession planting provides multiple harvest stages instead of one large crop reaching maturity at the same time.

Stop planting when sustained heat is expected, then resume sowing as temperatures begin to cool for the fall growing season.

Growing Mustard Greens in Containers

Southern Giant Curled mustard may be grown successfully in containers. Select a pot or planter with drainage holes and fill it with a fertile, well-draining potting mix. Wider containers allow several plants to grow together while maintaining adequate spacing.

Container soil can dry faster than garden soil, so check moisture regularly. Water when the surface begins to dry, but do not leave the container standing in water. Place the container where the plants receive full sun or several hours of direct light with some afternoon shade in warmer conditions.

Soil, Water and General Care

Soil

Mustard greens prefer fertile, well-amended soil with good drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable. Adding finished compost before planting can improve soil structure and moisture retention.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist for consistent leaf growth. Avoid allowing the soil to remain waterlogged. Water near the base of the plants when possible to help keep foliage dry and reduce conditions favorable to leaf diseases.

Light

Full sun supports vigorous growth during cool weather. Partial shade can help protect leaf quality when daytime temperatures begin to rise.

Harvesting Southern Giant Curled Mustard

Baby leaves may be harvested when they reach approximately 3–6 inches. Use clean scissors to cut young leaves above the soil line.

For mature greens, harvest the larger outer leaves first while allowing the center of the plant to continue growing. The entire plant may also be harvested when it reaches the desired size. Regular harvesting can encourage continued production during favorable weather.

Mature leaves can reach approximately 12–18 inches under suitable growing conditions. Harvest during the cooler part of the day for better texture and reduced wilting.

Culinary Uses

Southern Giant Curled mustard has a mild mustard flavor compared with many sharper mustard varieties. Young leaves may be eaten fresh, while larger mature leaves are excellent for cooking.

• Add young leaves to fresh salads.
• Sauté or stir-fry with garlic and seasonings.
• Steam or boil as a traditional cooked green.
• Add chopped leaves to soups and stews.
• Use in quiche or savory pies as an alternative to spinach.
• Blend cooked greens into mashed potatoes or vegetable dishes.

Stainless steel or another nonreactive cooking surface is recommended. Contact with aluminum or iron cookware may cause mustard greens to darken.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Inspect plants regularly for aphids and flea beetles. Small holes in the leaves may indicate flea beetle activity, while curled or sticky foliage can be associated with aphids.

Alternaria leaf spot, powdery mildew, and downy mildew may occur when conditions are favorable. Good spacing, air circulation, garden sanitation, crop rotation, and watering near the soil surface can help reduce problems.

A Southern Garden Classic with a Long History

Mustard greens have been cultivated for thousands of years, with early history associated with the Himalayan region of India before the crop spread through China and other parts of the world. Southern Giant Curled later became a familiar variety in Southern United States gardens because of its productive growth, curled green leaves, and versatile culinary use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Southern Giant Curled mustard an heirloom?

Yes. Southern Giant Curled is an heirloom, open-pollinated mustard variety.

Are these seeds Non-GMO?

Yes. This product is sold as Non-GMO seed. It is not certified organic.

Is Southern Giant Curled an AAS Winner?

Yes. Southern Giant Curled mustard was recognized as a 1935 All-America Selections Gold Medal Winner.

How quickly can the leaves be harvested?

Baby leaves may be ready in approximately 21 days. Full-size greens generally mature in approximately 30–45 days, depending on weather, temperature, soil, moisture, and plant spacing.

Can this mustard be grown in containers?

Yes. Use a container with adequate width, sufficient soil volume, and drainage holes. Maintain even moisture and provide full sun to partial shade.

Does this plant return every year?

No. Southern Giant Curled mustard is an annual crop that completes its normal life cycle within one growing season.

Can it grow outside USDA Zones 3–7?

Because mustard is grown as an annual, gardeners outside these zones may still grow it during their local cool season. Planting dates should be based on local frost dates and seasonal temperatures.

What is included with the order?

The order includes Southern Giant Curled mustard seeds in the quantity or net weight shown in the selected product option. Live plants, soil, containers, and gardening supplies are not included.

Important Growing Notice

Seed counts are approximate when seeds are packaged by weight. Germination and growing results can vary according to seed storage, soil temperature, planting depth, moisture, weather, pests, disease, and individual growing practices. Seeds are sold for planting purposes.

Mai's Family
Love Plants, Love Earth.