Brassica juncea 'Red Giant', Red Giant Mustard Greens
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Vegetables

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant'

Red Giant Mustard Greens

BrassicaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitrosette-forming
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width10-14 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2a - 9b
Zone 2a
Zone 2b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' is a striking cool-season leafy vegetable cultivar prized for its large, deeply colored foliage and robust flavor. This distinctive mustard green variety produces broad, ruffled leaves that display rich burgundy-red to purple-red coloration with contrasting green veining, creating an ornamental appearance that rivals many decorative plants. The leaves can reach impressive sizes of 8-12 inches in length and 6-8 inches in width, with deeply serrated margins and a slightly crinkled texture that adds visual interest to both garden beds and culinary presentations. The plant develops as a loose rosette, reaching 12-18 inches in height and spreading 10-14 inches wide at maturity. Young leaves emerge with intense red pigmentation that deepens as they mature, while the thick, succulent stems remain pale green to white. Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' produces small, four-petaled yellow flowers on tall stalks if allowed to bolt, though it is typically harvested before flowering for optimal leaf quality. This cultivar is distinguished from other mustard greens by its exceptional size, dramatic coloration, and slower bolting tendency compared to standard green varieties.

Native Range

Brassica juncea originates from the Himalayan region, including parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Central Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. The species naturally occurs in mountainous regions and has been extensively bred and selected throughout Asia, particularly in China and India, before spreading to other temperate regions worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers where its ornamental foliage can be appreciated. The colorful leaves make excellent additions to salad mixes when harvested young, while mature leaves are ideal for cooking applications such as stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes. This variety serves double duty as an edible landscape plant in ornamental vegetable gardens or mixed borders where its dramatic coloration provides visual interest. The leaves are excellent for microgreens production and baby leaf salad blends, while mature plants can be used for traditional Southern-style cooked greens.

How to Identify

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' can be identified by its exceptionally large, ruffled leaves with distinctive burgundy-red to purple-red coloration and prominent green veining. The leaves are significantly larger than typical mustard greens, measuring 8-12 inches long with deeply serrated, wavy margins. The plant forms a loose rosette rather than a tight head, and the thick, fleshy leaf stems remain pale green to white in contrast to the colorful leaf blades. When crushed, the leaves emit the characteristic peppery, mustard-like aroma typical of brassicas but more intense than milder greens.

Appearance

Bloom Information

late spring to early summer if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

burgundy-red to purple-red with green veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun to partial shade

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40-50 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' requires consistent moisture and cool growing conditions for optimal leaf development and color intensity. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, providing approximately 1 inch of water per week through deep, infrequent watering sessions. Apply a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote vigorous leaf growth, or incorporate compost into the soil before planting. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In hot weather, provide afternoon shade to prevent premature bolting and maintain leaf tenderness. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production and prevent the plant from becoming overmature.

Pruning

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' requires minimal pruning beyond regular harvesting practices. Remove outer leaves when they reach 4-6 inches in length, cutting them at the base with clean scissors or a sharp knife. This harvest-pruning method encourages new growth from the center of the plant and extends the productive period. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly to maintain plant health. If flower stalks begin to develop, pinch them off immediately to redirect energy into leaf production, unless you intend to collect seeds. Cut the entire plant at soil level when it begins to bolt or when leaves become too tough for culinary use.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' is generally safe for human consumption when properly prepared, though raw leaves contain compounds that may cause digestive irritation in sensitive individuals if consumed in large quantities. The plant contains glucosinolates, which give it its characteristic peppery flavor but are harmless in normal culinary amounts. As with all brassicas, the leaves may interfere with thyroid function if consumed raw in excessive quantities over extended periods. The plant is considered safe for most pets in small amounts, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset in dogs and cats.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring or fall, 2-4 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

40–50 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

lettuce
spinach
radishes
carrots
onions
garlic
peas
beans

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
strawberries
fennel
Brassica juncea 'Red Giant' (Red Giant Mustard Greens) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef