Species Blue Mustard
purple-pink flowers, green leaves and green-brown stems

Blue Mustard

Chorispora tenella

Blue Mustard is an annual plant species characterized by its blue leaves and showy yellow flowers. Reaching up to 18 inches in height, it is found in dry, open slopes and meadows. Blue mustard has a dark blue four-petal flower in its center, typically surrounded by smaller petaled yellow flowers. Its linear leaves are oval and lobed at the base. It grows across the United States, parts of Canada, and some European and Asian countries. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and is sometimes used as a culinary herb. Its flowers and tender stems can also be eaten fresh or cooked.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Blue Mustard is a drought tolerant plant, so water this species moderately. Water deeply and thoroughly once every 2 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. In the late summer, reduce water frequency and allow the soil to dry out between watering to encourage the plant to go dormant. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as much as possible, and only water if the top inch of soil feels dry to touch.

sunlight

Blue Mustard prefers full-sunlight in order to thrive, and should be placed in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. Blue Mustard tolerates a bit of shade, but it will flower less without full-sunlight. It should be grown in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. During the growing season, which is spring to summer, it is best to give Blue Mustard at least 8-10 hours of sun each day for optimal flower and foliage development.

pruning

Blue Mustard (Chorispora tenella) should be pruned after flowering, during late spring or early summer. Pruning should focus on removing spent blossoms as well as any overly long or straggly stems. Blue Mustard can be lightly pruned to shape the plant as needed, though too much pruning will reduce its flowering.