Description

Mustard seeds, either whole or grounded, are used in culinary preparations. Young mustard shoots cut two or three weeks after sowing, used as an ingredient of the traditional British salad, mustard and cress. Mustard plants have glossy, dark green leaves and small yellow flowers.


Planting requirements

Planting season: April to May and October to November

Planting conditions:

Propagation Seeds
Planting method Sow the seeds thinly in rows of two feet (60 cm) apart. For better germination, soak seeds overnight before planting
Soil Requires a well fertile, well-drained, lightly textured sandy loam soil with a pH no less than 6. Good soil fertility is essential for obtaining good yield. Add compost or cattle manure during soil preparation, ensuring the soil has adequate organic matter
Water Soil requires enough water for seeds to germinate. Supply water at 5-7 days interval during first 4 weeks of planting and then water at least 10-14 days interval until seeds mature. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Light Full sunshine to partial shade. If the climate is too hot, may need shade covers to protect the plant. Mustard plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

Growing conditions:

Temperatures Soil temperatures between 10 and 35°C (50°F and 95°F)
Soil Organic fertilizers are very important. Apply well decomposed compost or cattle manure soil preparation. Apply another round 3 weeks after planting. Organic mulches help maintain moisture, suppress weeds, and boost soil fertility
Water Adjust watering frequency based on rainfall and weather conditions. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the top inch of soil is dry between waterings
Pruning Prune plants if they become leggy or to encourage bushier growth.
Weed control Remove weeds and maintain a clean field. Weed management is easier when row seeding is practiced

Harvesting

Pod harvesting is done manually several times since pod maturity is staggered. Pull the plants out of the ground before the pods are fully ripened, when they are a yellow-brown color. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender, about 6-8 weeks after planting. Harvest seeds once they turn yellow and the pods begin to dry.


Curing

After harvesting, spread the plants in a well-ventilated area to dry for about two weeks. This helps to reduce moisture content and prevents mold growth.


Storage

Store dried mustard seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can last up to 5 years if stored properly. For leaves, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.


Protecting your plants

Pest control

Pest type:

Symptoms:

Control method:

Disease Control

Disease type:

Symptoms:

Management:


Sources

In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:

Mustard.jpg
By Pancrat - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7890461

Mustard

Generic name: Mustard
Sri Lankan name: Aba (Sinhala) | Kaduku (Tamil)
Scientific name: Brassica nigra
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Edible parts: Seeds and leaves
Nutrition value: Rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Mustard is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc

Difficulty rating

Low country wet zone

Difficulty:

★★★★☆

Explanation: Mustard is more challenging to grow in the wet zone due to its high susceptibility to diseases like Alternaria blight, which thrive in humid conditions. The frequent rainfall in this zone can also lead to waterlogging, which mustard doesn't tolerate well.
Challenges/Adaptations:

  • Monitor plants closely for signs of disease, especially Alternaria blight.
  • Provide adequate spacing between plants for better air circulation to reduce disease risk.
  • Implement raised beds or ridges to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
  • Use disease-resistant varieties when available.

Low country dry zone

Difficulty:

★★★☆☆

Explanation: Mustard is moderately easy to grow in the dry zone, as the drier conditions reduce disease pressure. However, careful water management is crucial, especially during dry spells.
Challenges/Adaptations:

  • Implement a consistent watering schedule, following the recommended 5-7 day interval for the first 4 weeks, then 10-14 day interval until maturity.
  • Use mulching to conserve soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.
  • Choose drought-tolerant varieties if available.

Mid country

Difficulty:

★★★☆☆

Explanation: Mustard cultivation in the mid country faces moderate challenges due to fluctuating temperatures and occasional heat stress. The mix of wet and dry periods can also create disease pressure.
Challenges/Adaptations:

  • Provide shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent wilting and heat stress.
  • Monitor and adjust watering based on rainfall patterns.
  • Implement good air circulation practices to reduce disease risk.

Up country

Difficulty:

★★★★☆

Explanation: Mustard is more difficult to grow in the up country due to cooler temperatures, potential frost risk, and higher humidity which can increase disease pressure.
Challenges/Adaptations:

  • Protect plants from frost using row covers or other protective measures during cold periods.
  • Choose cold-tolerant varieties if available.
  • Plant during the warmest seasons to avoid the coldest periods.
  • Implement raised beds to improve soil temperature and drainage.
  • Monitor closely for disease due to higher humidity, and ensure good air circulation.

Companion plants

Companion plants aid growth by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and providing support. They are part of a natural pest control system, maximising space and increasing crop productivity.

Non-companion plants

Non-companion plants are those that negatively affect each other’s growth when planted together, often due to competition for resources or chemical interference. Avoiding these pairings helps improve plant health and yields.