'Mibuna' Asian Green - Brassica rapa var. japonica

'Mibuna' Asian Green – well winter-hardy rarity with narrow, aromatic leaves. 

This variety is an Asian mustard green with an exceptional number of elongated, narrow leaves and a mild-aromatic flavor that slightly resembles arugula. It is moderately winter-hardy and ideally suited for direct sowing, pre-cultivation, and pot culture. Robust, productive, and open-pollinated – perfect for self-sufficiency and organic cultivation.

  Origin & History

‘Mibuna’ is an open-pollinated Asian mustard green from Kyoto, Japan, with a history reaching back to the early 19th century. Genetic and historical studies suggest the variety likely originated around 1800 through a cross between Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica) and other turnip forms of Brassica rapa subsp. rapa. The plant was cultivated in the Mibu region of Kyoto, from which the name “Mibuna” is derived. It is considered a traditional Japanese vegetable and is still used there today mainly as a leafy green and for pickling.

With its fast-regrowing foliage and decorative appearance, ‘Mibuna’ is regarded as a historical rarity and a true enrichment for the variety garden. The variety continues to be highly valued and is seen as a symbol of traditional Asian vegetable culture. In Europe, it only became known in recent decades and is now maintained, propagated, and offered by organic seed initiatives and conservation organizations as part of the diversity of Asian greens.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows compact and upright, reaching a height of about 60 cm. It produces a large number of elongated leaves and bears vigorous, dark green foliage. Winter-hardy down to -5 °C.

Leaf details:

• Size: Large, leaves up to 30 cm long

• Form: Elongated and narrow

• Color: Dark green

• Texture: Tender and juicy, depending on harvest time

• Flavor: Mild-aromatic with fine, pleasant spiciness, slightly reminiscent of arugula

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

‘Mibuna’ leaves are excellent for fresh use in salads, cooking, stir-frying, and especially pickling. Their mild-aromatic flavor and the exceptionally high number of elongated, narrow leaves make them a real eye-catcher in vegetable dishes, adding a distinctive visual and culinary touch.

Thanks to its winter-hardiness and resilience, the variety grows reliably outdoors, in greenhouses, and especially in pots. It can be harvested over a long period, produces abundant foliage, and delights with its hearty mild taste. Moreover, it is easy to care for, adapts well to different sites, and delivers stable yields even under variable weather conditions. Its fast-regrowing leaves can be harvested continuously, making the plant not only a culinary but also a visual enrichment in the garden.

Compared to other Asian greens, ‘Mibuna’ is particularly mild in flavor, with a slight arugula-like note – ideal for people seeking open-pollinated Asian mustard greens for fresh consumption and versatile use.