Black mustard is very easy to grow and will thrive in almost any soil condition. It also reseeds readily which results in rapid spread and this has allowed the plant to naturalize almost everywhere it has been introduced. A consequence of rapid spread has led some areas to label black mustard as invasive. Adding to the problem is the allelopathic tendencies of the mustard plant which inhibits the growth of native flora. Black mustard is beautiful, delicious, nutritious, and actually very good for the soil it is planted in when its controlled. If you decide to include black mustard in your garden, be prepared take necessary steps to prevent the plant’s spread into the local ecosystem. When you plant your black mustard, there are so many great uses for the seeds. Be sure to collect them all, and you can avoid spreading this non-native. After all, native plants are better for the environment and our gardens.
Light
Black mustard grows naturally in meadows and at the edges of tilled land. It needs full sun to grow and perform its best and does not tolerate shade well.
Soil
Though it will grow almost anywhere, mustard prefers moist and loamy that is loose, and well-draining. The pH range of the soil should fall somewhere between 6 and 7. An easy test of your soil can be taken to determine the pH, and you can watch how your plants are doing.
Water
There is no magic number on how much water to give. Consider your weather and keep it consistently moist without letting the plant sit in standing water, and it will thrive. If your soil is well-draining over watering shouldn’t become a problem.
Temperature and Humidity
Black mustard, like many leafy greens, is a cool season crop which grows best before air temperatures heat up and humidity increases. When temperatures are too warm, the plant goes to seed much more quickly with seeds that can ripen much faster and burst. This could lead to fields of black mustard in your yard and possibly your neighbor’s as well. Black mustard does great in USDA Zones 4-7.
Fertilizer
Depending on the richness of your soil, the addition of fertilzer may not be needed but tilling manure into the soil before planting is going to give your mustard extra peppy flavor and give it a boost. Growing nitrogen fixers like beans and turnips next to your mustard is a good practice since mustard uses a lot of the available nitrogen in soil.
Propagating Black Mustard
Black mustard is easily grown from seed sown directly into the soil. The seeds are very small so it often works best to scatter sow within a row, cover with a light layer of soil and then thin the plants once seedlings have emerged.
Harvesting Black Mustard
Mustard can be harvested as a cut-and-come-again crop. Keep in mind that once the weather heats up, you will need to watch for your plants to bolt and go into seed production. Harvest the seed pods which can be added as a whole spice in food preparation. You can also make your own mustard by grinding the seeds to powder and mixing it with vinegar and other ingredients.
