Organic Asian greens 'Komatsuna' (Brassica rapa) from the seed company Gaia, a tender and tasty leaf with multiple uses
Native to Japan, Komatsuna is a versatile Asian green, often called "mustard spinach." Its dark green, slightly glossy leaves are tender and juicy, with a crisp white vein. They offer a mild, slightly spicy flavor , which intensifies as they mature. Highly tolerant of heat and cold, this plant grows quickly and can be harvested throughout the season.
It can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed, braised or added to soups and stews. Undemanding, Komatsuna is an ideal variety for gardeners looking for a nutrient-rich, hardy and productive green.
Did you know?
Komatsuna is rich in calcium , surpassing even milk in content per serving. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K , which promote bone and immune health. Very popular in Asia, it is often marinated or prepared in umami-flavored stir-fries.
Spread : Compact shape and dense foliage
Plant height : 25-30 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 200 seeds
Companion plants : Bean, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, marjoram, pea, strawberry
Enemy plants : None
Cultivation method
Komatsuna is an easy to grow plant, suitable for temperate climates and resistant to cold. It prefers well-drained, fertile and slightly moist soil, with sunny to partially shaded exposure.
Direct sowing in open ground can be done in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Seeds can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before planting. Sow seeds 1/2" deep , spacing plants 6" apart and rows 8-10" apart.
Watering should be regular, but without excess water to avoid fungal diseases. Mulching helps retain moisture and limit competition from weeds.
Harvesting and conservation
Young leaves can be harvested as early as 3 weeks after germination . For continuous harvest, cut off the outer leaves while leaving the heart intact. Komatsuna can also be harvested whole when the plant reaches full maturity at 40 days .
To store, place the leaves in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days . It can also be blanched and frozen to extend its shelf life.
With its fast growth , culinary versatility and nutritional richness , Komatsuna is a must-have for any gardener looking to grow nutritious and delicious greens all year round.
