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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Sinapis arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Brassica arvensis. B. kaber. B. sinapis. B. sinapistrum.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Oil Seed Shoots
Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Oil

Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 12, 74]. Somewhat hot, the young leaves are used as a flavouring in salads, where they add a piquant flavour[9, 183]. Older leaves are used as a potherb[183]. It is best to use just the young shoots and leaves in the spring, older leaves are bitter[9]. Flowering stems - cooked[9, 74]. A pleasant, cabbage/radish flavour, they can be used as a broccoli substitute before the flowers open[183]. The stems should be lightly steamed for no more than 5 minutes[9]. The flowers can also be cooked as a vegetable or used as a garnish[183]. Seed - it can be sprouted and eaten raw[12]. A hot flavour, it can be added to salads and sandwiches[183]. The seed can be ground into a powder and used as a food flavouring. It has a hot mustard flavour[4, 9, 46, 115]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[1, 57, 74].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Bach

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Black depression', 'Melancholia' and 'Gloom'[209].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Oil Oil

An edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed. It is also used in making soap[74] and burns well so can be used for lighting[4].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Usually found on heavy alkaline soils in the wild[17]. Succeeds on most soils. Dislikes shade. The plant harbours an eelworm that attacks other crops[13]. It is therefore best not to grow it in a garden setting.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - germinates in spring and autumn in the wild. It should not really need much encouragement.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Rhynchosinapis monensis	Isle Of Man Cabbage	Biennial	0.3	-		LMH	SN	M	2	0
Rhynchosinapis wrightii	Lundy Cabbage	Perennial	1.0	6-9		LMH	SN	M	4	0
Sinapis alba	White Mustard	Annual	0.6	5-9	F	LMH	SN	M	3	3	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Sinapis arvensis - L.