Clown's Mustard Plant — Practical Guide for Growers

Clown's mustard plant is a compact, fast-growing leafy green that brings spicy flavor and bright flowers to small gardens. If you like salad greens with a kick or edible blooms to top dishes, this plant is worth trying. You can grow it in a pot, a raised bed, or a sunny windowsill.

This guide shows what it looks like, how to grow it, when to harvest, and common problems to watch for. I keep tips practical so you can try it this week, not next season.

How to grow clown's mustard

Start from seed. Sow seeds thinly about 1/4 inch deep in loose soil. The plant prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade—morning sun with afternoon shade works great, especially in hot climates. Keep soil evenly moist; these greens dislike drought. Seedlings pop up in 5–10 days and are ready for first harvest in about 30 days when leaves are young and tender.

Feed lightly. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every three weeks helps growth but don’t overfeed; too much nitrogen makes leaves large and floppy. Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart to give each plant room. If growing in pots, pick a container at least 8 inches deep and use potting mix with good drainage.

Succession sow every two weeks for a steady harvest. If hot weather forces the plant to bolt (send up a flower stalk), pull the mature plants and start new seeds in a cooler spot or provide afternoon shade.

Uses, harvesting, and problems

Leaves are the main attraction. Young leaves taste peppery, like arugula, and work well in salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. Older leaves can be cooked like mustard greens. The flowers are edible and add a mild mustard flavor and a pop of color to salads.

Harvest by cutting outer leaves or by trimming the whole plant just above the soil to encourage regrowth. Store leaves in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week, but use them fresh for the best flavor.

Pests to watch for include flea beetles, aphids, and slugs. Row covers protect young plants from flea beetles. A spray of soapy water helps with aphids; hand-pick slugs or use beer traps. Diseases are usually minor if you avoid overwatering and give good air circulation.

Propagation is simple—collect seeds after flowers dry on the plant and store them in a cool, dry place. Seeds often remain viable for a couple of years.

Companion planting helps: plant clown's mustard near onions, beets, or herbs to confuse pests. It doesn’t mix well with beans. Aim for soil pH 6.0–7.5 and add compost before planting. Water early in the day to reduce leaf diseases. In winter, protect plants with frost cloth; in warm climates you can grow through winter. Homemade mustard using leaves makes a tasty condiment.

Clown's mustard is an easy, fast crop that adds flavor and color. Try it in small spaces, and keep sowing for a continuous supply of spicy greens. If you want a specific recipe or pest fix, ask and I’ll give a quick, practical tip.