Brown Mustard Brassica juncea
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Brown Mustard:
- Phonetic Spelling
- BRAS-ee-ka JUN-see-uh
- Description
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Brown Mustard is an annual herb in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage. It has been introduced to all of North America from Eurasia. It is listed as invasive in some mid-western states. However, the leaves and flowers of certain cultivars are cultivated for use in the edible garden, having a hot mustard flavor. Young leaves can be eaten in mixed salads and older leaves are usually cooked as greens. Some areas of the world also grow it for its spicy seeds.
Mustard grows best in full sun to part shade and well-drained, rich, consistently moist soil. Watering early in the day will allow the plant to dry before nightfall and reduce the chance of fungal diseases. As a cool-season plant, it does best in the fall and spring, bolting and developing a strong flavor in the summer. Some shade is appreciated as the weather turns hot, especially for growing baby greens. Moisture and temperature stress lead to a spicier, unpleasantly strong flavor as well. Curly-leaved cultivars tolerate frost better than straight-leaved cultivars.
Sow seeds in the spring 3 weeks before last frost or in late summer as the weather begins to cool. Thin plants to 6 in apart. One inch of water per week is vital for proper root development. They can also be planted in containers at a minimum size of 3 gallons and 4-6 in deep. New seeds can be planted every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest. They grow to maturity at about 30-50 days after planting and can be harvested at a small "baby" size or larger, mature size. Baby leaves are best eaten raw while larger leaves improve with cooking.
It also has promise for use in phytoremediation as it tolerates and takes up heavy metals in contaminated soils easily.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Considered a noxious weed in some Midwestern states. Insects affecting this plant include flea beetle, caterpillars, aphids, slugs, and snails.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Brassica
- Species:
- juncea
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Seeds for essential oils
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Russia to central Asia
- Fire Risk Rating:
- high flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees are attracted.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible fruit
- Edibility:
- The leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems of this mustard variety are edible raw or cooked. Harvested leaves can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Edible
- Vegetable
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fruit Type:
- Siliqua
- Fruit Description:
- Long pods with round, brown seeds. The fruits will dry and split when ripe. The seeds are harvested for use in condiments and oil.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cross
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- This plant has a terminal cluster of 1.5" yellow flowers with four petals.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Entire
- Lobed
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Lower leaves are variously lobed. Upper leaves taper to a short petiole. They are smooth with a whitish bloom. Leaves may have some purple veins or even be completely purple in color.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Problems:
- Problem for Horses
- Weedy