Description
The annual herbaceous plants known as mustards (Brassica spp.) belong to the Brassicaceae family and are grown for their spice-producing seeds. The slender, herbaceous mustard plants have yellow blossoms. The plant’s leaves are lobed, toothed, and sometimes have bigger terminal lobes. Plants have a maximum length of 16 cm. The individual yellow flowers have a diameter of 8 mm, and they grow in spike-like clusters of two to twelve blossoms.
Habitat
Europe’s temperate regions are mustard’s native habitat and the source of its historical origins. But World War II interrupted the flow of mustard supplies from western Europe, and mustard was now grown as a specialty crop in North America. Right now, the top three countries in the world for mustard production are Russia, Canada, and Nepal.
Uses
Mustard is a forage crop and flavoring for food. It has been utilized for centuries as a topical treatment for inflammatory diseases like rheumatism and arthritis, as well as an emetic and diuretic.
Varieties
There are three common varieties of mustard used in cooking:
Mustard, either white or yellow (Brassica alba; botanical name: Sinapsis alba). Zones 4–7. Of all the mustards, this one has the mildest flavor. Prepared mustard is made from its seeds. It is not cultivated for the greens.
Mustard brown (Brassica juncea). Zones 2 through 11. The hottest mustard is this one. Curries and Chinese hot mustards (like Dijon mustards) are made with the seeds. There are various cultivars and they are also produced for their greens. Those with curled leaves that are popular are “Southern Giant,” “Red Garnet,” and “Giant Red.”
Brassica nigra, or black mustard. Zones 6–9. The seeds are added to Dijon-style mustard and used to make a mildly spicy mustard. Southeast Asian cuisine also employs the seeds in its cuisine. It is not cultivated for the greens.
Plant Care
- Light
Full sun is ideal for growing mustard. Only when growing mustard for infant greens—which need to be shielded from the intense light when the weather gets hot—is partial shade permitted.
- Soil
Although mustard may be grown in most types of soil, the ideal soil is one that is rich, damp, drains easily, and has a pH of less than 6.0.
- Water
Mustard is a cool-season crop that requires regular but not excessive precipitation. If it’s not raining, give it at least one inch of water. When the soil is dry, leaves develop slowly, become tough, and lose their flavor.
- Temperature and Humidity
Mustard does not mind cold weather—even at 32 degrees Fahrenheit—but it does mind hot heat. Temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit are not good for the plant.
- Fertilizer
Select a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, paying attention to the label’s recommendations for dosage. When the seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, scatter it about them.
Table
