Sinapis alba
white mustard
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
Synonyms
Brassica alba
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grown 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetles and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to clubroot
Get involved
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