Brassica rapa var. nipposinica 'Red Knight'

Mizuna, Brassica rapa var. nipposinica, is a Japanese brassica that is becoming increasingly popular for stir-fries. It is also called Kyona or potherb mustard. Not only is it good to eat, it's also quite decorative, with glossy, serrated, dark green leaves and narrow white stalks, looking good in flower beds and as edging.

Mizuna is vigorous, adaptable and easy to grow in most soils. Leaves have a mild mustard flavour. The usual sowing time, outside, is from early to late summer, but it can be sown in late spring or early summer, when it may have a tendency to bolt. Another alternative is to sow in early autumn, for transplanting under cover.

Mizuna 'Red Knight' is a hybrid variety with dark red leaves, perfect for using in summer salads. Plants are vigorous, growing as a large rosette of finely serrated, feathery leaves. Mizuna is tolerant of both heat and cold, and grows best in moist conditions.