Komatsuna
Commercial production
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland.
- Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. pervidis or var. komatsuna.
Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. pervidis or var. komatsuna) is often referred to as Japanese mustard spinach and can be eaten at any stage. Komatsuna generally grows large and can reach a height of 20 to 35 cm only 20 to 30 days after sowing. Leaves are dark green and about 18 cm wide and 30 cm long in mature plants while leaf stalks are light green and thin. Komatsuna is very rich in calcium and is commonly used in pickles in Japan, and as a fodder crop in many Asian countries.
Climate and soil
Komatsuna can be grown most of the year in relatively temperate regions but is usually grown as a cool season crop (spring and autumn). It can tolerate some extreme cold and hot conditions but not for prolonged periods. Komatsuna can grow on a wide range of soil types but prefers rich, loamy soils with high water retention.
Cultivation
Komatsuna is usually sown 2 to 5 cm apart in raised beds. After one to two weeks plants are thinned out to 20 to 45 cm apart. These thinned seedlings can either be replanted or sold as bunches of 10 to 15. If komatsuna is not to be sold at this young stage sow at 20 to 45 cm apart. Komatsuna should be watered regularly and heavily as the roots grow deep into the soil.
Pests and disease
Aphids and bacterial rots are major problems of komatsuna, there are some pesticides registered for use against them. Many birds, especially pigeons and sparrows, are also common pests of komatsuna. Appropriate coverings may protect crops from birds. Viruses of turnips have also caused some problems in the quality of komatsuna.
Harvesting, storage and marketing
Depending on the variety and the time of year, harvest can occur from 20 to 80 days after sowing. At any stage from 10 cm high, cut seedlings about 2 cm above ground level so that plants can re-sprout.
Up to three cuttings from the one plant can be harvested over several months. Komatsuna is usually sold in bunches of 2 to 5 plants when mature, or up to 15 when younger. Bunches are usually secured with a rubber band or string. Komatsuna is best stored between 1 and 5°C at a relative humidity of 90 to 95%.
Additional information sources
- Larkcom, J. (1991), Oriental Vegetables. John Murray (Publishers) Ltd, London.
DPI&F information and services
- To access DPI&F's information and services, Queensland residents can contact the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 for the cost of a local call, from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). E-mail callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au. Non-Queensland residents phone (07) 3404 6999.
- Current national information on agricultural chemicals registered for use on all crops is available on the Infopest CD-ROM. Write to DPI&F, GPO Box 46, Brisbane, Qld 4001, E-mail infopest@dpi.qld.gov.au, visit the Infopest web page, or phone (07) 3239 3967 for further information.
Industry links
- Industry links is a page of links to various sites of interest to horticultural growers.
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last updated 24 May 2007
