Troubleshooting
Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' problems — and how to fix them
Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' (Brassica rapa var. perviridis 'Savanna') 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.
Flea beetles
The most common pest; tiny holes peppering young leaves slow growth. Cover with fine mesh from sowing and water well to outpace damage.
Bolting
Slow to bolt but still runs to seed in prolonged heat or after a cold check followed by warmth. Sow in cool windows and harvest young.
Aphids
Colonise leaf undersides and crowns, especially under cover. Inspect regularly and dislodge with water or a soft soap spray.
Downy mildew
Yellow upper-leaf patches with greyish growth beneath in damp, crowded stands. Thin plants, water at the base and improve airflow.
Prevent mustard spinach 'savanna' problems before they start
Most mustard spinach 'savanna' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common turnip problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' watering schedule
- Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' light requirements
- Best soil mix for mustard spinach 'savanna'
- Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' temperature & humidity
- Full mustard spinach 'savanna' care guide
Looking for mustard spinach 'savanna' in general rather than its problems? Read the full mustard spinach 'savanna' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Mustard Spinach 'Savanna' problems — FAQ
Why is my mustard spinach 'savanna' flea beetles?
The most common pest; tiny holes peppering young leaves slow growth. Cover with fine mesh from sowing and water well to outpace damage.
Why is my mustard spinach 'savanna' bolting?
Slow to bolt but still runs to seed in prolonged heat or after a cold check followed by warmth. Sow in cool windows and harvest young.
Why is my mustard spinach 'savanna' aphids?
Colonise leaf undersides and crowns, especially under cover. Inspect regularly and dislodge with water or a soft soap spray.
Why is my mustard spinach 'savanna' downy mildew?
Yellow upper-leaf patches with greyish growth beneath in damp, crowded stands. Thin plants, water at the base and improve airflow.