Sisymbrium altissimum
Sisymbrium altissimumfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. AC78 — Sisymbrium altissimum
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IOverview
Overview
Sisymbrium altissimum, known as the tall hedge mustard, is an annual forb or herb native to Spain and other regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Eastern Europe. This plant thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, making it a valuable culinary ingredient. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to various soil types while providing both ornamental value and edibility in gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Sisymbrium altissimum?
Sisymbrium altissimum, known as the tall hedge mustard, is an annual forb or herb native to Spain and other regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and parts of Eastern Europe. This plant thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sisymbrium altissimum thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH of 7-7.5. It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions. This annual plant can reach heights of up to 1 meter and requires full sun or partial shade. For best results, keep the soil consistently dry rather than wet. Propagate by seed, which can be sown directly into the garden bed. The edible parts include leaves, shoots, and seeds.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Sisymbrium altissimum for the first time
7steps
Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Skip seeds, a small trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer for the best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 7-7.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant once they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if they grow too close together.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Keep an eye out for pests and weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaBelarusBulgariaGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia8 regions
native (8)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanTurkey
Broader regions
native:Altay, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus
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
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Companion planting
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