Hedge mustard
Sisymbrium officinale · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hedge mustard: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 30 to 100 cm tall
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, medium green, cut and pinnate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia and Mediterranean
- Growth
- Rapid
Care
Light exposure
Plant singer's rocket in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. It tolerates sunny exposures well and appreciates at least 4 to 6 hours of direct daily light. Shaded exposure will slow its growth but remains acceptable.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist without waterlogging, especially during active growth periods. Once established, this hardy plant tolerates short dry spells well. Reduce watering in winter if you're growing it in a temperate climate.
Soil
Singer's rocket is undemanding and develops in any well-draining soil, even poor or rocky. It tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Avoid constantly waterlogged soils that promote rotting.
Pruning and cutting
Regularly remove faded flowers to extend flowering and limit unwanted self-seeding. Pinch young plants to encourage compact, branched growth. At the end of the cycle, leave some flowers to go to seed if you want natural reseeding.
Diseases and pests
Like many Brassicaceae, it can be affected by flies and flea beetles. Inspect the foliage and intervene quickly if infestation occurs. It is generally not very susceptible to fungal diseases in well-draining soil with good air circulation.
Fertilizer
A modest application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient for this undemanding plant. Soil that is well-structured and rich in organic matter often eliminates the need for additional fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen which could promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Did you know?
Singer's rocket owes its common name to an ancient tradition: in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, church choirs and singers would chew the seeds of Sisymbrium officinale to clarify and strengthen their voice before performing. This reputation persists in European botanical folklore, though its real effectiveness remains doubtful!
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.