White mustard
Sinapis alba · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant white mustard: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 60-90 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast (3-4 months)
- Hardiness
- Hardy, frost-tolerant
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Middle East
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Type of cultivation
- Annual or biennial
Care
Sunlight
Install white mustard in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for optimal growth. It also tolerates partial shade, but seed production will be less abundant. Avoid excessively shaded areas.
Soil and preparation
Prefer well-drained, fertile, slightly alkaline soil. Prepare the ground by loosening it deeply and incorporating compost. White mustard adapts to most soils but fears chronic waterlogging.
Watering
Water regularly after sowing to keep the soil moist during germination. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant. Reduce watering as flowering and seed maturation approach.
Fertilization
An application of well-decomposed compost before sowing is generally sufficient. If the soil is poor, apply a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers and seeds.
Management and harvest
No pruning is necessary. You can harvest young tender leaves for culinary use. Pods ripen in late summer: leave them on the plant until they brown before harvesting them for seeds.
Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which favor Brassicaceae. Rust and powdery mildew may appear in case of excessive humidity. Good drainage and aeration are generally sufficient to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
White mustard has been used since antiquity not only as a condiment but also as green manure: plowed into the soil, it enriches it with organic matter and nitrogen. In the Middle Ages, it was so prized that it became one of France's royal condiments, giving its name to the famous House of Dijon Mustard.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.