This is the most stressful part of growing mustard. As the pods mature, they turn from green to tan to brown. At the "brown" stage, the pod becomes a loaded spring. The slightest touch—a gust of wind, a bird landing, a brush of your sleeve—can cause the pod to twist violently and explode, flinging seeds up to 10 feet away.
Mustard seeds germinate fast. In soil temperatures between 45°F and 85°F (7°C to 29°C), they will sprout in 3 to 10 days. This speed is a survival tactic—they want to outrun weeds and establish territory before anyone else shows up. mustard seeds growing
You must cut the mustard plant when the pods are mostly brown but still slightly pliable. If you wait until they are crisp, you will lose 50% of your crop to the ground. Part 7: Harvest & Processing – From Plant to Jar Once you cut the stalks, you have to let them dry. This is called curing . Tie them in bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place (like a garage or shed) inside a paper bag. This is the most stressful part of growing mustard
During this phase, the plant is building its solar array. Mustard leaves are actually edible and delicious—peppery, like arugula. If you are growing for seeds, you can thin the crop by harvesting baby leaves for salad, leaving the strongest plants to mature. The slightest touch—a gust of wind, a bird
Why a paper bag? When the pods explode in the bag, the seeds fall to the bottom rather than onto your floor.