Swollen-Stem Mustard
Brassica juncea tumidafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 2494 — Brassica juncea tumida
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IOverview
Overview
Swollen-Stem Mustard (Brassica juncea tumida) is an annual forb/herb native to the North Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant features a distinctive swollen stem that sets it apart from other Brassica species. It thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, growing up to 0.8 meters tall. Swollen-Stem Mustard can be propagated by direct seeding outdoors, with seedlings thinned to about 15 cm apart. Its edible parts include the flowers, leaves, and stem, making it a versatile addition to gardens or agricultural plots in hardiness zones 6-9.
Quick answers
What is Swollen-Stem Mustard?
Swollen-Stem Mustard (Brassica juncea tumida) is an annual forb/herb native to the North Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant features a distinctive swollen stem that sets it apart from other Brassica species.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Skin Soother
skindecoction
Traditionally applied to soothe skin irritations.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Swollen-Stem Mustard (Brassica juncea tumida) thrives in light to medium soils and can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. It prefers a pH between 6 and 7.2 and requires moist conditions but is not overly demanding of water. The plant grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is best grown from direct seeds sown outdoors, thinning seedlings to about 15 cm apart. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 6 to 9. This annual plant can be enjoyed for its edible leaves, stems, and flowers, making it a versatile addition to the garden.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.2
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors, thin seedings to 15cm apart
- Row spacing
- 3 cm
- Seed viability
- 3 to 7 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Swollen-Stem Mustard for the first time
8steps
Start with Swollen-Stem Mustard to gain experience in growing Brassica vegetables.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden plot or large container, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 10°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.2; ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct seed outdoors, spacing seeds about 15 cm apart; thin to the same distance once seedlings emerge.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells; fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost or well-aged manure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellowing leaves to prevent disease spread.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to thin seedlings, using chemical fertilizers, ignoring pest control.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesStem
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Cover cropoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (4)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgaria
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)AfghanistanBangladeshIndia
Americas3 regions
introduced (3)BelizeBoliviaUnited States
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AlgeriaAngolaBotswana
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
introduced:Alberta, Argentina Northeast, Amur, Andaman Is., Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, Altay, Baltic States, Bermuda, Alabama, Borneo, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, British Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2494a6d1-9223-49b3-9361-c244986c4d3d
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