It grows about 3 feet tall with bright yellow flowers, which are also edible.
The edible mustard plant is different from mustard grown as a cover crop.
How to Plant Mustard
When to Plant
Plant mustard in the spring or fall.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For fall plantings, select varieties that mature early.
To calculate your fall planting date, add 2 to 3 weeks to your average firstfrost date.
Where to Plant
Plant mustard in a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The soil should also be loamy, and nutrient-rich.
Closely spacing the plants (and thinning them as they grow)helps to control weeds.
When growing mustard for seed, staking the plants is recommended.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
As a cool-season crop, mustard needs consistent moisture without being overwatered.
Give it at least 1 inch of water in the absence of rain.
In dry soil conditions, leaf growth is slow, the leaves will be tough and have an off-flavor.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
Cool weather, even down to 32F, is not a problem for mustard.
On the other end.
the plant does not do well in temperatures over 75F.
Brassica junceatc397 / Getty Images
Fertilizer
Choose a fertilizer that ishigh in nitrogen, following label instructions for the amount.
Scatter it around the seedings when they have reached 3 to 4 inches in height.
It is edible but should be harvested young.
Petra Richli / Getty Images
After separating the seeds from the chaff, the seeds can be ground or used whole to make mustard.
(More than just mustard seeds are required to make mustard, though they are a key ingredient.)
Plant the seeds in pots of at least 8 inches in diameter and filled with well-draining potting mix.
Brassica nigra with beeyogesh_more / Getty Images
Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart.
Like all potted plants, mustard needs more frequent watering and fertilization than plants grown in the garden.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Mustard is not affected by serious pest and disease problems.
Brassica juncea seed podsJalpaMalam / Getty Images
In humid weather, it is susceptible topowdery mildewand white mold.
Common insect problems includeaphids, whiteflies,cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, slugs, andflea beetles.
If these are a problem in your area, protect the plants with row covers.
Adjusting the planting time is another way to avoid pests.
For example, plant mustard in the fall when populations of flea beetles are much lower.
Most mustard leaves can be eaten either raw or cooked.
Mustard in the Garden.
Utah State University Extension.
