Black Mustard ( Brassica nigra ) is an annual plant grown mainly for its spicy seeds that are used as a condiment. This plant is recorded as being used as a condiment in the Mediterranean as far back as 1st century AD. Although it is sought after for its seed, it is important to mention that both the young leaves and flowers are also edible. In fact, some African countries cultivate this plant as a vegetable, the leaves are somewhat peppery. The seed of this species is commonly used in Indian curry dishes as a spice, the seeds themselves are both back and brown in colour.
Studies show that Black Mustard has a huge 97 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, a 100g weight of plant material also contains 3mg of iron, 183 mg calcium, 50 mg phosphorus and 15 mg of fibre. This plant has also been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Other Mustard varieties available are Lime Streaks, Red Giant and Japanese Mustard.
NOTE: When eaten in large quantities, the pods and seed can be toxic to grazing animals.
Growth
The Black Mustard plant can grow up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) tall and 60cm (2 feet) in width. The leaves are lobed and the plants yellow flowers have 4 petals. Flowers are present from late Spring onwards and the seed pods follow shortly after flowering begins. Seed pods range between 10-25mm (0.4-1 inch) and will split open and disperse seeds as soon as they are ripe.
This species is frost tolerant for short periods and will cope well in most climates, it seems to be best suited to sub-tropical & tropical climates. Black Mustard is suitable to use as a green manure.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 35°C / 23 to 95°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well draining. Compost rich soil is beneficial.
LOCATION:
Full sun or part shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Self fertile, hermaphrodite, also pollinated by wind & bees.
MATURITY:
Average 40-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
98%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Listed as invasive in Hawaii, New Zealand and the offshore islands of Chile. Also listed as a noxious weed in a couple of US states.
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA JUNCEA (Black Mustard)
Some believe that the Black Mustard Seed is the species Jesus’ was referring to in the ‘Parable of the Mustard Seed’ in Matthew 13.
Hippocrates (460–370 BC), The Greek physician, Hippocrates, who some call ‘the father of medicine’, in 450 BC has written about the medicinal actions of Black Mustard.
Mustards are part of the same plant family as Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Kale.
Although often called Japanese Mustards, most mustards originate in China.
