"Dijon" Mustard

Brassica hirta

This is the true species of mustard used for making REAL Dijon mustard. Have you ever tried making mustard with store bought mustard powder and was it the spiciest mustard you ever had? That is because store bought powder is actually from the Brassica juncea mustard species which are a very spicy group. Brassica hirta is a mild species making a flavorful and most delectable table mustard. Delight your family and friends, grow them mustard! Mustards are also excellent cover crops. They smother weeds very effectively and they contain compounds that make them useful "bio-fumigants" which serve to eradicate harmful soil fungus and bacteria as well as control the overpopulation of pests, like harmful nematodes. After you harvest your seed, make sure to return all of the leafy stem residues to the garden or compost to build biomass! This is a great dual-purpose plant: simultaneous cover crop and food crop!

Growing Instruction:

Direct sow anytime early to mid-spring.

We recommend 3-6” spacing between seeds and 12-15” spacing between rows.

Sow an annual legume cover crop in fall to prepare the bed. Mix in a good compost at time of planting. Use a nitrogen tea if a growing boost is needed.

Harvest Instructions:

Harvest once plants dry down, around mid to late august. Thresh on a tarp with your feet and winnow the chaff in front of a fan or a stiff breeze to clean the seeds.

Seed Savers:

Set aside some of your seed before making mustard! Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.