Chinese mustard
Also known as: Dijon mustard; gai choi; Indian mustard; kai choy; kai tsoi; karashina; leaf mustard; mibuna; mustard cabbage; mustard greens; rai; Swatow mustard
This is the plant from which many types of oriental mustard greens have been bred. It looks very similar to other wild brassicas, with evergreen leaves and yellow flowers. It is extremely variable but the lower leaves are larger, on stalks, often with several leaflets and a wavy or toothed edge, whilst the upper leaves are small, stalkless and narrow. The flowers become long green pods containing brown seeds. All parts are edible when young
Scientific classification
- Species
- Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea)
- Genus
- Brassica
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Annual Biennial
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Chinese mustard pictures
Distribution of Chinese mustard
Distribution map
Caucasus
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Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of Chinese mustard
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Chinese mustard care guide
- Evenly moist well-drained soil, supply extra water during hot dry spells
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Evenly moist well-drained soil, supply extra water during hot dry spells
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced vegetable leaf feed every two weeks active growth period
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Growing
GrowingSow seed outdoors in deep, fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. If space is limited, start the seeds in modules or seedtrays and plant outside when big enough to handle easily (about 5 or 6 leaves). Watering through the summer months is very important. For more advice see vegetable cultivation
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, clubroot can build up in the soil
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest
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