Komatsuna
A quick Japanese leafy brassica, good raw when young or cooked when mature.
Komatsuna seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March–September
Plant out
Pick leaves from the outside or cut the whole plant; cover against flea beetle.
Harvest
April–November
Conditions
Sun
Partial shade in summer, full sun in spring/autumn
Water
Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness and bolting
Soil
Fertile, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
15-20cm (6-8") between plants; 30cm (12") between rows
Containers
Good for pots and window boxes
Indoors
Not typically grown indoors, but can be started under glass
Care and harvest
Feeding
A balanced liquid feed can be applied every few weeks for robust growth
Pruning
None
Harvesting
Pick leaves from the outside or cut the whole plant; cover against flea beetle.
Storage
Store in an airtight bag in the fridge for up to a week
Good companions: Lettuce, Mint, Marigolds