Prevent erosion, suppress weeds and soilborne pests, alleviate soil compaction, and scavenge nutrients.

An annual plant, mustard will completely cover the ground within 4 – 5 weeks and grow to a height of 30″ – 45″.  Flowering will occur 3 – 5 weeks after emergence, with taproots that extend 5 feet into soils under dry conditions.

Mustard prefers well-drained loamy soils with sufficient moisture and is intolerant of drought and waterlogging. Although tolerant of low fertility soil, soils that are prone to crusting can cause problems. While mustard is tolerant of mild frosts, severe frosts can destroy the crop. Moisture stress during the flowering period will reduce yields.

Plant as early in the season as your local environment allows into a firm seedbed.  Earlier seeding retains appropriate spring moisture levels, establishes an excellent canopy to outcompete weeds, and decreases the chances of damage from heat stress or frost. Mustard will make a perfect follow up in spring following corn or potatoes or winter following wheat. Irrigation or manure slurry applications may improve establishment.  Perennial weed should be controlled before planting.  Recommended for fall vs. spring seeding.

Sulfur and boron additions may be necessary depending on a soil test. Additional nutrients of about 45 lb/A P2O5 and 100 – 120 lb/A N may be necessary. Sulfer application at a 6:1 nitrogen to sulfur ration will encourage biofumigation compounds.  Other brassicas, small grains, and crimson clover make good mix partners with Silver Mustard.

Weed control before spring planting is not usually practical, making fall the best time to control weed pressure. Mustard stands do not compete well with weeds, and the best weed control starts with the encouragement of quick and uniform emergence