Mustard is a fast brassica microgreen with a sharper flavor than many beginner crops. It is useful for growers who already understand the basic tray workflow and want something that adds more punch to mixes and meals.
Sow mustard like a small-seeded brassica
Use a shallow tray with evenly moist soilless media. Broadcast seed evenly, press it into contact with the surface and avoid heavy piles that create wet pockets.
Fast germination means frequent checks
Mustard belongs to the cabbage family. Extension guidance describes brassicas as fast-germinating and short-cycle microgreens, so the tray can change quickly during early growth.
Move into light before stems stretch too far
A short dark period may be used to encourage stem length, but do not allow the crop to become weak and excessively elongated. Move into even light and monitor how the canopy responds.
Water and airflow
Use bottom watering after roots are established and maintain gentle circulation around the canopy. Because the crop is dense, small differences in moisture can show up quickly.
Harvest for flavor as well as appearance
Mustard’s appeal is its bold flavor. Harvest at a stage where the texture is still tender and the crop has developed the flavor intensity you want.
Next: try radish for another peppery fast crop.
Source references: University of Maryland Extension, “Growing Microgreens and Baby Greens Indoors”; Penn State Extension, “The ABCs of Microgreens.”
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