Sisymbrium orientale
Sisymbrium orientale · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sisymbrium orientale: 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
- Foliage
- Deciduous, deeply cut leaves
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Flower color
- Bright yellow
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and South-West Asia
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, sensitive to cold
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to moderate
Care
Sunlight
Oriental mustard appreciates a sunny exposure (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day minimum). Good light promotes abundant flowering and plant vigor. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during growth, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid excess moisture which promotes rot. Once established, the plant tolerates drier conditions well.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Oriental mustard adapts to poor to moderately fertile soils, even calcareous ones. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if the soil is too compact.
Fertilizer
Apply a weak to moderate balanced fertilizer in spring to support flowering. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. One or two applications are generally sufficient over the season.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers regularly to extend flowering. At the end of the season, you can cut back lightly to rejuvenate the plant. As an annual or biennial, the plant renews itself naturally from year to year.
Diseases and pests
Oriental mustard is generally robust. However, watch out for flea beetles (small jumping insects) that nibble the leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid stagnant humidity to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Oriental mustard is a distant cousin of cabbage and radish, belonging to the large Brassicaceae family rich in sulfurous essential oils. This plant was once cultivated in cottage gardens as a folk remedy. Its name 'Sisymbrium' comes from ancient Greek and already designated various plants of the same family used for medicinal purposes.
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.