Mizuna microgreens are quick-growing, attractive and easy to grow at home. In approximately 10–14 days, you can produce a tray of tender green microgreens with fine stems, delicate leaves and a fresh, mild mustard flavour.
If you are learning how to grow mizuna microgreens, mizuna is an excellent variety for beginners. The small seeds do not normally require pre-soaking, germinate quickly and can be grown indoors using soil, coco coir or a suitable hydroponic microgreen growing mat.
Mizuna is a Japanese leafy brassica rather than a lettuce or radish. At the microgreen stage, the young seedlings have a mild peppery, mustard-like flavour that is generally gentler than stronger mustard varieties.
This step-by-step guide explains how to grow mizuna microgreens from seed, including sowing density, covered germination, watering, lighting, harvesting and common growing problems.
Shop Mizuna Microgreen Seeds in packet and bulk quantities from Seedmart Australia.
Mizuna Microgreens at a Glance
| Growing Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Brassica rapa var. japonica |
| Common name | Mizuna / Japanese mustard greens |
| Days to harvest | Approximately 10–14 days |
| Seed soaking | Not required |
| Approximate seed rate | Approximately 8–12 g per 30 × 35 cm tray |
| Covered germination | Approximately 2–3 days |
| Growing medium | Soil, coco coir or suitable hydroponic growing mat |
| Flavour | Fresh, mild mustard flavour with light peppery notes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
What Are Mizuna Microgreens?
Mizuna microgreens are the young seedlings of mizuna, a Japanese leafy vegetable in the brassica or mustard family. They are harvested at an early stage, after the seed leaves have opened and before the plants develop into mature leafy greens.
Mature mizuna is known for its finely divided, serrated leaves. At the microgreen stage, the plants are much smaller and more delicate, with slim stems and fresh green leaves.
Mizuna is related to other brassica crops commonly grown as microgreens, including broccoli, kale, mustard, pak choi and radish, but it has its own distinctive mild mustard flavour.
Why Grow Mizuna Microgreens?
Mizuna is a useful microgreen for growers who want a brassica with plenty of flavour without the stronger heat of some mustard varieties. Mizuna has also been included in scientific studies examining how growing conditions and lighting affect the development and composition of brassica microgreens. Research into brassica microgreens has included mizuna alongside other Japanese leafy brassicas.
- Fast-growing crop commonly ready in approximately 10–14 days.
- Easy to grow and suitable for beginners.
- No seed pre-soaking normally required.
- Fresh, mild mustard flavour with gentle peppery notes.
- Tender young stems and attractive green leaves.
- Suitable for indoor growing throughout the year.
- Can be grown using soil, coco coir or suitable hydroponic growing mats.
- Useful in salads, sandwiches, bowls and garnishes.
- Suitable for both home and commercial microgreen production.
How to Grow Mizuna Microgreens in 7 Simple Steps
- Prepare a shallow growing tray with moist soil, coco coir or another suitable microgreen medium.
- Sow the mizuna seed evenly across the growing surface. Approximately 8–12 g is a useful starting range for a 30 × 35 cm tray.
- Gently press the seed against the growing medium and mist with clean water.
- Cover the tray for approximately 2–3 days while germination becomes established.
- Remove the cover and move the seedlings into suitable natural or artificial light.
- Keep the root zone evenly moist, preferably using bottom watering once the roots are established.
- Harvest when the seedlings have developed good colour and reached your preferred size, commonly around 10–14 days after sowing.
What You Need to Grow Mizuna Microgreens
- Mizuna Microgreen Seeds
- A shallow growing tray with drainage holes
- A solid lower tray for bottom watering
- A second tray or suitable cover for germination
- Seed-raising mix, coco coir, hemp mat or another suitable microgreen growing medium
- Spray bottle or gentle watering bottle
- Clean water
- A bright indoor position or suitable grow light
- Clean scissors or a harvesting knife
How Much Mizuna Seed Should You Use?
Mizuna is a relatively small-seeded brassica and should not be sown as heavily as larger-seeded crops such as radish, pea or sunflower.
For a 30 × 35 cm microgreen tray, approximately 8–12 grams of mizuna seed provides a useful starting range.
For smaller trays, reduce the quantity proportionally according to the growing area.
The exact amount can be adjusted according to your seed batch, tray dimensions, growing medium, ventilation and preferred crop density.
Spread the seed as evenly as possible across the growing surface. Aim for good coverage without forming thick piles of overlapping seed.
Best Growing Medium for Mizuna Microgreens
Mizuna microgreens can be grown successfully using several different growing media.
Coco Coir
Coco coir is an easy option for beginners. It provides an even sowing surface, holds moisture well and allows the fine mizuna roots to establish easily.
Seed-Raising Mix
A fine-textured seed-raising mix or quality potting mix can also work well. Avoid very coarse material containing large pieces of bark that can make even sowing difficult.
Hemp Growing Mats
Hemp growing mats provide a tidy soil-free option. Thoroughly moisten the mat before sowing and ensure it remains evenly moist during germination.
Reusable Hydroponic Mats
Mizuna can also be grown using suitable reusable or hydroponic growing mats. These systems require careful moisture management because they contain less material to buffer changes in water availability.
Whichever method you choose, aim for consistent moisture, good drainage and adequate airflow rather than keeping the root zone permanently saturated.
Best Temperature for Mizuna Microgreens
Mizuna is a cool-season brassica and performs well under mild indoor conditions.
A temperature of approximately 18–24°C is a useful target for consistent germination and growth, although mizuna can germinate across a broader temperature range.
Cool conditions may slow growth slightly. Very hot and humid conditions can increase water demand and disease pressure, particularly in densely planted trays.
In Brisbane and other subtropical areas, mizuna is still suitable for indoor microgreen production during warmer weather, but good airflow and careful watering become particularly important.
Step 1: Prepare the Growing Tray
Start with a clean shallow tray. A tray with drainage holes placed inside a solid lower tray is particularly useful because it allows you to bottom water after germination.
If using soil or coco coir, add approximately 2–3 cm of growing medium and gently level the surface.
Moisten the growing medium before sowing. It should feel evenly damp without being waterlogged.
If you are using a hemp or reusable growing mat, lay it flat in the tray and thoroughly moisten it before adding the seed.
Step 2: Sow the Mizuna Seeds
Mizuna microgreen seeds do not normally require pre-soaking.
Measure the appropriate quantity for your tray and distribute the seed as evenly as possible across the surface.
Mizuna seed is small, so take your time when sowing. Uneven distribution can result in dense patches beside areas with very few seedlings.
Gently press the seed against the moist growing medium to improve seed-to-medium contact.
Mist the seed and surface gently with clean water.
Step 3: Cover the Tray During Germination
Place another tray or suitable opaque cover over the freshly sown mizuna.
Keep the tray covered for approximately 2–3 days while germination becomes established.
Check the growing medium regularly. It should remain moist but not saturated.
Do not rely only on the number of days. Once most of the viable seed has germinated, roots have anchored into the growing medium and the young shoots are pushing upwards, the tray is ready to be uncovered.
Step 4: Move Mizuna Microgreens into Light
Remove the germination cover and place the tray in bright natural light or beneath a suitable grow light.
Newly uncovered seedlings may initially appear pale or yellow. This is normal after germination beneath a cover.
After exposure to light, the cotyledons begin developing their normal green colour.
Provide reasonably even light across the entire crop. If growing beside a window, rotate the tray periodically if the seedlings begin leaning heavily towards the light source.
Avoid placing freshly uncovered microgreens in intense direct afternoon sun, particularly during an Australian summer.
Step 5: Water Mizuna Microgreens Carefully
During the earliest germination stage, gentle misting can be used to maintain surface moisture.
Once roots are established, bottom watering is generally preferable.
Add a small amount of water to the solid lower tray and allow the growing medium to absorb moisture through the drainage holes.
Check the crop rather than watering automatically according to a fixed daily schedule.
Water requirements vary according to:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Airflow
- Tray size
- Growing medium
- Seedling density
- Stage of growth
Keep the root zone evenly moist but avoid leaving the crop permanently wet or allowing excessive water to remain in the lower tray.
Step 6: When to Harvest Mizuna Microgreens
Mizuna microgreens are commonly ready for harvest approximately 10–14 days after sowing.
The exact timing will vary according to temperature, light and growing conditions.
Rather than relying entirely on the calendar, inspect the crop itself.
Mizuna can be harvested when the seedlings have:
- Well-opened seed leaves
- Good green colour
- Tender, upright stems
- Developed an even canopy
- Reached the height and flavour you prefer
You can also allow the seedlings to develop slightly further if you want more of the characteristic mizuna leaf shape to become visible.
Step 7: How to Harvest Mizuna Microgreens
Use clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife to cut the stems just above the growing medium.
Avoid pulling the plants out by their roots, as this introduces growing medium and root material into the harvested crop.
Where possible, harvest when the foliage is reasonably dry.
What Do Mizuna Microgreens Taste Like?
Mizuna microgreens have a fresh, mild mustard flavour with gentle peppery notes.
They are generally less pungent than strongly flavoured mustard microgreens and less sharply peppery than many radish varieties.
This makes mizuna particularly useful when you want some mustard character without overwhelming other ingredients.
The young stems and leaves are tender, making mizuna suitable for salads, sandwiches, wraps and fresh garnishes.
How to Use Mizuna Microgreens
Mizuna’s mild mustard flavour works particularly well with Asian-inspired dishes, but it is versatile enough for everyday meals.
Try mizuna microgreens:
- In fresh salads
- On sandwiches and wraps
- With ramen or noodle bowls
- Over rice and grain bowls
- With sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes
- On avocado toast
- With eggs and omelettes
- As a garnish for soups
- With grilled vegetables
- Mixed with milder microgreens
Add mizuna near the end of food preparation if you want to retain its fresh texture and delicate appearance.
Mizuna Microgreens vs Mustard Microgreens
Mizuna belongs to the mustard family, but its flavour is generally milder than many varieties specifically sold as mustard microgreens.
| Feature | Mizuna Microgreens | Mustard Microgreens |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Mild mustard flavour with light peppery notes | Can range from mild to strongly spicy depending on variety |
| Appearance | Green seedlings developing finely divided leaves | Varies considerably between mustard varieties |
| Pre-soak | Not normally required | Not normally required for most small-seeded mustard varieties |
| Best suited to | Milder salads, garnishes and Asian-inspired dishes | Dishes where a stronger mustard flavour is desired |
Is Mizuna the Same as Rocket?
No. Mizuna and rocket are different plants.
Mizuna is a Japanese brassica with a mild mustard flavour, while rocket generally has a stronger peppery, slightly nutty flavour.
Their appearance also differs as the true leaves develop. Mizuna produces finely divided, serrated foliage, while rocket develops its own characteristic lobed leaves.
Both can be grown as microgreens and both are useful in salads and garnishes, but they provide different flavours.
How to Store Mizuna Microgreens
Freshly harvested mizuna microgreens can be refrigerated for later use.
For better storage:
- Harvest with clean scissors or a clean harvesting knife.
- Keep the microgreens as dry as practical before refrigeration.
- Place them in a clean sealed container.
- Use a piece of clean paper towel if needed to absorb excess moisture.
- Keep refrigerated and use while the leaves remain fresh and crisp.
If you wash your mizuna before storage, drain and dry it thoroughly before placing it in the refrigerator.
Tips for Growing Mizuna Microgreens Indoors
- Do not soak the seed. Mizuna seed is normally sown dry.
- Use the correct sowing density. Mizuna needs less seed per tray than radish and other larger-seeded crops.
- Sow evenly. Small seeds can easily collect in dense patches.
- Use clean trays. Wash growing equipment thoroughly between crops.
- Provide good airflow. Dense, damp canopies increase the risk of mould.
- Bottom water after establishment. This reduces unnecessary wetting of the foliage.
- Provide adequate light. Weak lighting can result in elongated seedlings.
- Avoid excessive heat. Mizuna is naturally better suited to cool-to-mild conditions.
- Start new trays regularly. Successive sowings can provide a continuous supply.
Common Problems When Growing Mizuna Microgreens
Mould on Mizuna Microgreens
Mould is more likely when excessive moisture, dense sowing and poor airflow occur together.
Make sure the growing medium is not constantly saturated and allow good air movement around the crop.
Once the roots are established, bottom watering can help reduce unnecessary moisture on the stems and leaves.
White Fuzz Around the Roots
Fine white root hairs can sometimes be mistaken for mould.
Root hairs generally form evenly around individual roots and may become much less visible immediately after watering. Mould tends to grow irregularly across the seed, growing medium or plant material.
Yellow Mizuna Seedlings
Pale or yellow seedlings are normal immediately after the covered germination stage.
After the tray is uncovered and exposed to suitable light, the seed leaves should begin developing their normal green colour.
Leggy Mizuna Microgreens
Long, weak seedlings generally indicate insufficient light or that the crop remained covered for too long.
Once germination is established, move the tray into suitable light and provide even illumination across the canopy.
Uneven Germination
Patchy germination may be caused by uneven seed distribution, dry sections of growing medium or poor seed-to-medium contact.
Level and moisten the medium before sowing, distribute the fine seed carefully and maintain consistent moisture during germination.
Seedlings Falling Over
Wilting seedlings may indicate insufficient moisture, but overwatering can also weaken the root zone.
Check the moisture within the growing medium before automatically adding more water.
Growing Mizuna Microgreens in Australian Conditions
Mizuna microgreens can be grown indoors throughout the year, but seasonal temperature and humidity affect growth rate, watering and airflow requirements.
Summer
During hot Australian summers, avoid leaving mizuna trays in intense afternoon sun behind glass.
Shallow microgreen trays can heat and dry rapidly. A bright position with protection from excessive heat is preferable.
Brisbane and Humid Subtropical Areas
Warm temperatures combined with high humidity can increase disease pressure in densely planted microgreen crops.
Maintain good airflow, avoid excessive seed density and switch to bottom watering once roots are established.
Winter
Mizuna is well suited to cooler conditions, although very low temperatures may slow germination and extend the crop cycle.
Bright natural light or suitable artificial lighting can help maintain consistent indoor production.
For more general advice covering tray setup, lighting, blackout and watering, see Seedmart’s complete guide to growing microgreens in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do mizuna microgreens take to grow?
Mizuna microgreens are commonly ready to harvest approximately 10–14 days after sowing. Growth may be faster or slower depending on temperature, light and other growing conditions.
Do mizuna microgreen seeds need to be soaked?
No. Mizuna microgreen seeds do not normally require pre-soaking and can be sown directly onto moist growing media.
How much mizuna seed should I use per tray?
Approximately 8–12 grams is a useful starting range for a 30 × 35 cm microgreen tray. Adjust the quantity proportionally for different tray sizes and according to your growing system.
How long should mizuna microgreens stay covered?
A covered germination period of approximately 2–3 days is commonly suitable. Uncover the tray once most viable seeds have germinated and the seedlings are established and pushing upwards.
Can mizuna microgreens be grown without soil?
Yes. Mizuna can be grown using coco coir, hemp mats and other suitable hydroponic microgreen growing media.
Do mizuna microgreens need light?
The seed can germinate beneath a cover during the initial germination stage. Once the seedlings are established, move them into suitable natural or artificial growing light.
What do mizuna microgreens taste like?
Mizuna microgreens have a fresh, mild mustard flavour with gentle peppery notes. They are generally less pungent than strongly flavoured mustard varieties.
Is mizuna a type of radish?
No. Mizuna is a Japanese leafy brassica or mustard green. Although mizuna and radish both belong to the brassica family, they are different crops.
Is mizuna the same as mustard?
Mizuna belongs to the mustard or brassica family and has a mild mustard-like flavour. However, it is a distinct leafy vegetable rather than simply another name for standard mustard greens.
Why are my mizuna microgreens yellow?
Yellow seedlings are normal immediately after covered germination. Once the seedlings receive adequate light, they should begin developing stronger green colour.
Are mizuna microgreens easy to grow?
Yes. Mizuna is suitable for beginners because the small seeds germinate readily, do not normally require soaking and produce a harvestable crop relatively quickly.
Can mizuna microgreens be grown commercially?
Yes. Mizuna’s quick crop cycle, attractive foliage and mild mustard flavour make it suitable for commercial microgreen growers, market gardeners, cafés and restaurants.
Where can I buy mizuna microgreen seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies Mizuna Microgreen Seeds in packet and bulk quantities for home growers and commercial microgreen production throughout Australia.
Learning how to grow mizuna microgreens is straightforward. The seeds do not normally require soaking, germinate quickly and can produce a tender, mildly peppery crop in approximately 10–14 days.
The most important points are to avoid overseeding, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the root zone, provide good airflow and move the seedlings into adequate light once germination is established.
Shop Mizuna Microgreen Seeds from Seedmart Australia, available in packet and bulk quantities.