About
A native annual, widespread throughout lowland Britain, and providing a food source for birds, caterpillars, bees and other insects. A typical brassica with deeply lobed leaves and clusters of four-petalled, white flowers from late spring into summer.
About the genus
Sinapis are annual herbaceous plants and include species grown for mustard. Reaching a height of between 20cm and 1m, stems are hairy, erect and branched. Leaves are petiolate and between 1 and 4cm long. Bright yellow flowers appear from May through to August/September. The seeds follow and are dark red to brown in colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrown for fodder, green manure or mustard seed, and also found wild on arable or waste ground. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny position. See our video How to grow and sow green manure for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to flea beetles and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to clubroot