About

Brassica juncea 'Golden Streaks' PBR is an annual variety frequently cultivated for its harvestable foliage, which can be cut multiple times throughout the growing season. The leaves are golden-green and finely dissected, offering a subtle mustard taste. In summer, small yellow flowers appear, later giving way to elongated seed pods containing brown seeds that can be processed into mustard.

About the genus

Brassicas encompass annual, biennial, and perennial varieties, typically characterized by their upright growth habit, alternate leaves that are often glaucous, and prominent taproots. The flowers are arranged in clusters and take on a cross shape, usually appearing in yellow or white. This genus includes several species cultivated for food production, including cabbages, turnips, mustards, and oilseed rape, alongside those that are valued for ornamental purposes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants
Toxicity
Skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Cultivation
Sow seed outdoors in deep, fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. If space is limited, start the seeds in modules or seedtrays and plant outside when big enough to handle easily (about 5 or 6 leaves). Watering through the summer months is very important. For more advice see vegetable cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil