Sinapis

( SIN - ah - piss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes annual species that are similar to many others in the plant family Brassicaceae; its most cultivated species being Sinapis alba, or White Mustard. Species are commonly found in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, though plants have a worldwide distribution. Grow these flowers as members of herb or edible gardens, or simply use them to bring pollinators into the garden.

Sinapis Species and Varietals

The genus Sinapis is a member of the plant family Brassicaceae, and includes just six distinct species. It is a very closely related genus to Rhamphosphermum (Charlock), and there is some species overlap between the two genera. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sinapis alba (Brassica alba, Brassica hirta) (White Mustard, Yellow Mustard)
These plants are native to the Mediterranean region, and are widespread worldwide. Plants are cultivated for their seeds, which are used to make the popular condiment Mustard. They are also used as livestock fodder and green manure. Leaves are also harvested and eaten in wintertime in some areas of the world. These annuals reach up to 28 inches tall and produce yellow flowers. 80-90 DTM.

Caring for Sinapis

Sinapis plants are considered very easy to grow, so easy that they are considered weeds (and in some cases invasives) in many regions of the world. In the garden, they are grown from seed direct-sown into the garden soil and will quickly form stands in the landscape if control measures are not used. Choose a space in the landscape that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sun, and ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 4.5 and 8.2 (acidic to alkaline). They are not picky about soil type or structure, and can do well in disturbed soils. Water plants regularly as they mature. Once established, these plants do not need much in the way of irrigation, and do well in areas of the landscape with no formal irrigation system. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. To reduce the spread of seeds through the landscape, make sure to cut off any flowers, unless you will be collecting them for propagation or culinary purposes. These annuals are typically pulled and composted at the end of the growing season.

Harvesting Sinapis Plants
Sinapis, or White Mustard, plants are harvested for their edible greens as well as their seeds. Greens can be harvested starting between 30 and 35 days after planting. Using clean, sharp shears or snips, cut outer leaves from the plant. Alternatively, entire plants can be harvested for their leaves and processed elsewhere. If growing Sinapis plants just for the greens, make sure to trim off any flower stems as they begin to form to allow more energy to be sent to foliage production. Leaves are used fresh in salads or cooked similarly to Spinach, and have a spicy, peppery flavor with a hint of bitterness. They are commonly compared to Arugula or mild Horseradish greens. Sinapis seeds are produced inside of pods, which are harvested when they are brown and dry in late spring or summertime. Cut flowering stems from the plants with the seed pods attached, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area with a bag or cloth underneath to catch released seeds. Once they have fully dried out, shake the pods to release the seeds. They will then need to be separated from the chaff. To test for readiness, attempt to crush some seeds. If they shatter easily, they are ready for storage. If they do not, they will need to sit out for a while longer before being stored. Once sufficiently dry, seeds can be ground. Store whole or ground seeds in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, dry cabinet.

Propagation

Sinapis, or White Mustard, plants are typically propagated via seed. These plants will re-seed freely in the landscape if not controlled, and volunteer plants can be dug up and transplanted. To propagate your White Mustard plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Sinapis by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside of seed pods, which will turn brown and brittle when seeds are mature. Cut flowering stems from the plants with the seed pods attached, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area with a bag or cloth underneath to catch released seeds. Once they have fully dried out, shake the pods to release the seeds.
Direct-sow seeds in springtime after the last frost of the year has passed in a sunny spot in the garden, and then follow the care instructions above.

Sinapis seeds are contained inside of elongated seed pods, which turn brown and brittle when seeds are mature.

Sinapis seeds.

Problems and Pests

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are considered invasive in many regions of the world. Sinapis plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: