Hill mustard
Bunias orientalis · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hill mustard: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Bunias orientalis
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Flowering
- April to June, pale yellow flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, greyish-green, lobed and toothed
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe
Care
Light exposure
Place your Oriental Bunias in a sunny or semi-shaded spot. It tolerates various exposures well and adapts even to less bright areas. Prolonged sun exposure promotes more vigorous growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period, especially during prolonged drought. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it tolerates dry periods well and requires only occasional watering.
Soil
Prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter and fairly fertile. However, this plant adapts to various soil textures, even poorer soils. Avoid areas with stagnant water.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch young plants to encourage bushy branching. Remove faded flowers to extend flowering and limit self-seeding if desired. Light pruning after flowering stimulates a second flush of blooms.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. This plant doesn't require intensive fertilization. An organic mulch on the surface gradually enriches the soil.
Diseases and pests
Oriental Bunias is generally robust and rarely affected by serious diseases. Watch for aphids and whiteflies, particularly in hot weather. Avoid stagnant moisture on the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The Oriental Bunias, originally from Southwest Asia, has become fully naturalized in central and western Europe for several centuries. Its remarkable success lies in its great capacity to colonize disturbed lands and its winged seeds that disperse effectively by wind. Due to this colonizing vigour, it is sometimes considered invasive in certain regions, particularly in steppe areas.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.