GardenHow to grow mustard greens (sarson)
सरसों का साग. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaOctober and November
HillsAugust to October
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 0.5 to 1 cm
- Spacing
- Thin to 10 to 15 cm apart
- In a pot
- A box or pot 20 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 3 to 6 days
- Harvest
- 30 to 45 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Sarson grows fast in the cool months and can be picked leaf by leaf for weeks.
- Take the tender top shoots and young leaves for saag, and leave the plant to grow again.
- It grows well next to palak and methi, the other two leaves of a winter saag.
What can go wrong
Aphids gather on the shoots as the weather warms in late winter. Pick the crop before then, or wash them off with water.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is mustard greens sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for mustard greens are September to November.
How long does mustard greens take to grow?
Usually 30 to 45 days.
Can mustard greens be grown in a pot?
Yes. A box or pot 20 cm deep.