Tall rocket
Sisymbrium altissimum · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tall rocket: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-August)
- Mature size
- 60 to 120 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, annual or biennial
- Origin
- Central and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, drought-tolerant
Care
Exposure
Tall Mustard prefers a sunny exposure, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. It tolerates light partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant. Avoid overly shaded and poorly ventilated areas.
Soil
This plant adapts to most well-drained soils, even poor or chalky ones. It dislikes compacted soils and stagnant moisture. Moderate organic matter amendment is sufficient; excessive enrichment is unnecessary.
Watering
Water regularly when planting and during dry periods, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well and needs little additional watering. Avoid excess water, which promotes root diseases.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is strictly necessary. A light balanced application in spring is enough if the soil is poor. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes dense foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young plants to encourage dense, compact branching. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. At the end of its cycle, prune or pull up the plant after seed production if it self-seeds too abundantly.
Diseases and pests
Like all Brassicas, Tall Mustard can be affected by crucifer flies and flea beetles. Good air circulation and watering at the base reduce risks. Watch for signs of mildew or damping-off in very humid conditions.
Did you know?
Tall Mustard is considered a ruderal (pioneer) plant, capable of rapidly colonizing wastelands and fallow fields. Its scientific name "altissimum" means "very tall" in Latin, referring to its ability to grow quickly in height to dominate its environment. It historically traveled along commercial routes from Asia to Europe, spreading as a weed in crops.
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
- CransonArmoracia rusticana
- Sea kaleCrambe maritima
- Mountain AlyssumAlyssum montanum
- Wall rock cressArabis caucasica
- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.