Sinapis alba
Family: Brassicaceae

There are several species of mustard, but only one is widely grown: the white mustard, Sinapis alba. This is the mustard used in the seedling stage with common garden cress (Lepidium sativum) for making salads and sandwiches.

Sinapis alba is an annual with bright green leaves. If allowed to grow to maturity it would reach about 60 cm (24 in) in height, but it is used in the seedling stage when 8-10 cm (4-5 in) high. It is a native of the Mediterranean, North Africa and central Asia.

Cultivation

Mustard is normally grown indoors or under glass. Sow two days after cress for the two to be ready together. Sow seed thickly in a tray, on the surface of soilless seed compost or on a thick pad of blotting paper. Keep constantly moist. Another way to grow white mustard is as a cut-and-come-again salad crop in the garden. Sow seed in spring and cut young plants as required for their leaves. They will re-sprout and can then be cut again.

Climate

Zone 6.