Rocket Candytuft, Annual candytuft
Iberis amara
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Iberis amara is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry calcareous soils on hillsides and in cornfields.
Western and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The seeds are sometimes used as a source of mustard. Pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Little used in modern herbalism, rocket candytuft is a bitter-tasting tonic, aiding digestion and relieving wind and bloating. It is traditionally taken to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis. All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic. The seeds are considered very useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dropsy. The plant is gathered in the summer and can be dried for later use. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe. A common homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds.
Antiarrhythmic: Helps restore normal rhythm and conduction
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good, well-drained ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Prefers a calcareous soil but tolerates mildly acid soils. Succeeds in poor soils and on dry walls. A very ornamental plant. A fast growing plant, do not grow the plants too close together. The flowers are sweetly scented.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ for summer flowering or late summer in situ for a spring flowering. The seed germinates within 3 weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist