Mizuna

Brassica rapa nipposinica

Physical Characteristics

Brassica rapa nipposinica is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

A cultivar of garden origin.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[206]. They can be eaten at any stage from seedling to mature plant though older leaves become fibrous[206]. A very good salad, the leaves can also be cooked as greens or in soups etc[206]. The leaf stalks can also be eaten but require more cooking than the leaves[206]. It can be used as a cut and come again crop. regrowing rapidly after being harvested[206]. Immature flowering stems - cooked like broccoli[206]. A sweet flavour[206].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known