Troubleshooting
Mustard Greens 'Osaka Purple' problems — and how to fix them
Mustard Greens 'Osaka Purple' (Brassica juncea 'Osaka Purple') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bolting
Heat and long days quickly send it to flower and turn leaves harsh. Sow in spring and autumn for cool weather and harvest leaves young and often.
Flea beetles
Peppering of shot-holes across young leaves, the main mustard pest. Use row cover from sowing, keep plants growing fast, and clear weedy brassicas nearby.
Overly hot, tough leaves
Caused by heat and drought stress. Maintain even moisture, give light afternoon shade in warm spells, and pick at baby-leaf stage for the mildest flavour.
Aphids
Grey cabbage aphids and others colonise leaf undersides and crowns. Inspect regularly, dislodge with a water jet, and encourage ladybirds and other natural predators.
Prevent mustard greens 'osaka purple' problems before they start
Most mustard greens 'osaka purple' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for mustard greens 'osaka purple' in general rather than its problems? Read the full mustard greens 'osaka purple' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Mustard Greens 'Osaka Purple' problems — FAQ
Why is my mustard greens 'osaka purple' bolting?
Heat and long days quickly send it to flower and turn leaves harsh. Sow in spring and autumn for cool weather and harvest leaves young and often.
Why is my mustard greens 'osaka purple' flea beetles?
Peppering of shot-holes across young leaves, the main mustard pest. Use row cover from sowing, keep plants growing fast, and clear weedy brassicas nearby.
Why is my mustard greens 'osaka purple' overly hot, tough leaves?
Caused by heat and drought stress. Maintain even moisture, give light afternoon shade in warm spells, and pick at baby-leaf stage for the mildest flavour.
Why is my mustard greens 'osaka purple' aphids?
Grey cabbage aphids and others colonise leaf undersides and crowns. Inspect regularly, dislodge with a water jet, and encourage ladybirds and other natural predators.