Variety field guide
What to expect from Red Komatsuna
Red Komatsuna brings broad, purple-red leaves and a mild mustard-spinach flavor.
Open the complete descriptionHide the complete descriptionVariety traits, flavor, garden use, and the complete description
Red Komatsuna brings broad, purple-red leaves and a mild mustard-spinach flavor. The smooth leaves show green undersides with red veins, adding color to a baby-leaf salad or a quick stir-fry. Young growth is especially tender, while larger leaves make useful cooked greens. This Japanese-style leafy vegetable grows quickly in mild weather; sow small amounts in succession to keep fresh leaves ready for the table.
Minimum seeds per packet: 250 seeds.
Colorful, mild leaves for fresh salads and quick cooking.
Variety and background
The identified supplier classifies Red Komatsuna as a hybrid. The former open-pollinated claim is unsupported; saved seed may not reproduce the original selection.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Brassica rapa L. Perviridis Group |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / harvest basis | 30-39 Days |
| Seed depth | 1/4 in |
| Germination | 3-7 days |
| Germination temperature | 45-60 F |
| Plant height / spread | 7–12 in |
| Habit | Rosette |
| Plant spacing | 6 in |
| Row spacing | 12 in |
| Sunlight | Full - Partial Sun |
| Pollination type | Hybrid; per identified supplier |
Starting from seed
Sow in spring or late summer, 1/4 in. deep. At 45-60 F allow 3-7 days. Thin to 6 in. apart, rows 12 in. apart; sow closer for baby leaf. Give rich draining soil, steady moisture and light shade during hot weather.
Planting and care
Sow in spring or late summer, 1/4 in. deep. At 45-60 F allow 3-7 days. Thin to 6 in. apart, rows 12 in. apart; sow closer for baby leaf. Give rich draining soil, steady moisture and light shade during hot weather. The identified supplier classifies Red Komatsuna as a hybrid. The former open-pollinated claim is unsupported; saved seed may not reproduce the original selection.
Harvest and use
Cut baby leaves from about 20 days, or larger leaves around 30-38 days. Leave the center to regrow when picking outer leaves; chill promptly. The supplier lists this selection as a hybrid, so saved seed may not repeat its leaf traits.
Saving seed
Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The identified supplier classifies Red Komatsuna as a hybrid. The former open-pollinated claim is unsupported; saved seed may not reproduce the original selection. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.
Common problems
Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes this selection?
The identified supplier classifies Red Komatsuna as a hybrid. The former open-pollinated claim is unsupported; saved seed may not reproduce the original selection.
How should I start it?
Sow in spring or late summer, 1/4 in. deep. At 45-60 F allow 3-7 days. Thin to 6 in. apart, rows 12 in. apart; sow closer for baby leaf. Give rich draining soil, steady moisture and light shade during hot weather.
When and how should I harvest?
Cut baby leaves from about 20 days, or larger leaves around 30-38 days. Leave the center to regrow when picking outer leaves; chill promptly. The supplier lists this selection as a hybrid, so saved seed may not repeat its leaf traits.
Can I save seed?
Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The identified supplier classifies Red Komatsuna as a hybrid. The former open-pollinated claim is unsupported; saved seed may not reproduce the original selection. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.
