Black Mustard
Brassica nigra
Also known as
Mustard, Swart Mostert (Afr.), Mostaza, Oil seed rape
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
10a
USDA zone
-1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1.5m |
30cm | Min | 50cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Black Mustard
Black Mustard Overview
Black Mustard is known as Brassica nigra. It is an annual herb that can be grown easily and is famous as a spice and for large fields of pretty yellow flowers. Although all parts of Black Mustard are edible, it is cultivated mainly for its seeds. It belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage. In vineyards, mustard is planted as a cover crop that sterilises the soil from plant patogens. This plant grows up to 2m and is multi-branched. The lower leaves are toothed, deeply lobed, and are often hairy on the underside. Upper leaves on flowering stems are narrow, slightly waxy and egg-shaped. Black mustard seeds have the strongest pungent taste, but almost no aroma.
Common problems with Black Mustard
Black mustard is the least fussy of the mustards, and weeds might be your worst enemy. They can however be plagued by Black Spot, Black Rot, Cabbage Aphid, Downy Mildew, Flea Beetles,
How to harvest Black Mustard
When the leaves turn yellow and as soon as the seed pods brown, seeds may be harvested. Waiting too long will cause the pods to burst and seeds to scatter all over your garden.
How to propagate Black Mustard
Seed
Seeds are tiny, so sow in a well prepared, flat seed bed. Sow in Spring - they prefer cool weather; Sowing depth - 1.2 cm; Germination time - 14-21 days.
Special features of Black Mustard
Crop rotation
An excellent rotation for wheat and seed potato crops.
Other uses of Black Mustard
Culinary.
culinary
Microgreens
Grow these leafy greens in your windowsill over the winter months for quick and tasty micro leaves.
Brassicas
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnip are all part of the same veggie family! Check here on planting times and tips.
