Old Fashion Mustard Greens: A Classic Garden Staple
Old Fashion mustard greens represent a time-honored variety that has been cherished by gardeners and cooks for generations. This traditional green delivers authentic mustard flavor with smooth, broad leaves that are perfect for both raw consumption and cooking. If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful mustard variety with deep roots in culinary tradition, Old Fashion is an excellent choice.
Classic Characteristics
Unlike some ornamental mustard varieties, Old Fashion mustard greens feature smooth, slightly crinkled leaves with a more traditional appearance. The foliage is a rich, deep green and grows in a compact, upright habit that makes harvesting convenient. The leaves are tender when young and become increasingly robust as the plant matures, offering flexibility in how and when you harvest.
This variety is known for its authentic, full-bodied mustard flavor—bold and peppery without being overwhelming. The taste intensifies slightly as the plant matures and after exposure to cool temperatures, making fall-grown Old Fashion mustard particularly flavorful.
Growing Old Fashion Mustard
Old Fashion mustard greens are straightforward to grow and thrive in cool-season conditions. Direct sow seeds in early spring or late summer for optimal results. The plant prefers full sun and fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Seeds germinate quickly and plants reach harvest size in approximately 45 to 60 days, depending on growing conditions and desired leaf size.
This hardy variety tolerates temperature fluctuations and actually improves in flavor after light frosts. Thin seedlings to about 10 to 12 inches apart to allow adequate space for leaf development. The plant is relatively pest-resistant and requires minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional weeding.
Kitchen Applications
Old Fashion mustard greens are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Tender young leaves are excellent in fresh salads, while mature leaves are perfect for cooking. Traditional preparations include sautéing with bacon or ham hock, braising with vinegar and spices, or adding to soups and stews for depth of flavor. The leaves can also be blanched and frozen for later use.
Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue producing new growth for extended harvests. This time-tested variety continues to be a favorite because it delivers consistent flavor, reliable growth, and the authentic taste that makes mustard greens a beloved part of traditional cuisine.
In Summary
Produces good yields of flavorful dark green mustard leaves
Harvest as much as you want and do it often
Super easy to grow
Days to Maturity | 45 days
Mustard Seeds | When growing from seed, start them outdoors 3 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds a 1/2″ deep, and thin to 3 inches. Click here for complete Mustard grow guide
Additional Details
Mustard is high in Vitamin A, B, and C. Mustard greens are very popular in the southern U.S. where they are generally slow-cooked with ham hocks or other smoked-pork products. Asian cuisines generally use mustard greens pickled or stir-fried.
