Charlock
Sinapis arvensis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. B226 — Sinapis arvensis
Sinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensisSinapis arvensis
IOverview
Overview
Charlock (Sinapis arvensis) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe and Asia, from Afghanistan to Ukraine and beyond. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and parts of the Balkans, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, seeds, and shoots, this plant is valued in culinary applications. Charlock prefers moist conditions and grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 0.8 meters tall, making it a notable presence wherever it takes root.
Quick answers
What is Charlock?
Charlock (Sinapis arvensis) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe and Asia, from Afghanistan to Ukraine and beyond. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and parts of the Balkans, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Charlock thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5-8. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-9 and grows well in moist conditions. This annual plant reaches up to 0.8 meters in height, making it suitable for garden beds or borders. For best results, provide full sun to partial shade. Propagate through seeds sown directly into the soil during spring or early summer. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, shoots, and seeds throughout the growing season.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Charlock for the first time
8steps
Charlock is a straightforward annual plant for beginners, perfect for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8). Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep and 15 cm apart, or start indoors a few weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing leaves and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kamchatka
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · b2261749-1202-4e80-ba92-8b4e6a644147
Decision aid
Choosing between Charlock and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.