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. 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. Plant seed or seedlings in the fall 3 weeks before the last frost. Additional seeds can be planted every 2-3 weeks to extend harvest. The leaves and flowers are cultivated for use in the edible garden and have 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. It also has promise for use in phytoremediation as it tolerates and takes up heavy metals in contaminated soils easily. Use this plant in the edible garden or in a container. It is sometimes used as a cover crop. Click here to see a calendar of planting schedules, time-to-harvest, and recommended spacing. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Considered a noxious weed in some Midwestern states. Insects affecting this plant include flea beetles, caterpillars, aphids, slugs, and snails.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green; Purple/Lavender
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Obovate
Leaf margin
Crenate; Entire; Lobed; Serrate
Leaf value
Edible
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, > 6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
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.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Edible
Flower shape
Cross
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
This plant has a terminal cluster of 1.5" yellow flowers with four petals.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Siliqua
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit detail
Long pods with round, brown seeds. The fruits will dry and split when ripe. The seeds are harvested for use in condiments and oil.
Stem color
Green
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Russia to central Asia
Wildlife value
Bees are attracted.
Play value
Attracts Pollinators; Edible fruit
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit; Leaves; Flowers; Seeds; Stems
Fruit type
Siliqua
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.
Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage; Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage; Caterpillars Found on Flowers and Foliage; Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables; Pests of Crucifers