Elongated mustard
Brassica elongata
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Brassica elongata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Arable land and roadsides.
C. Europe to W. Asia. A casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - cooked. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The seed contains up to 34% of an edible oil that can also be used for lighting, making paints etc.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Succeeds in any reasonable soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist