Purple Mustard (Chorispora tenella)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, disturbed sites with unobstructed sunlight

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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established

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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; tolerates cool spring temperatures and moderate summer heat

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Leaf: Basal rosette of lobed, hairy leaves; stem leaves are smaller, clasping the stem
Flower: Four-petaled purple to pale lavender blooms with a classic cruciform (cross) shape
Stem: Slender, branching, slightly hairy green stems

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Watering

Water regularly during active growth to support flowering

Fertilization

Light, diluted feed once monthly. Use a balanced, diluted organic feed to support foliage and bloom production

Coffee grounds compost tea：Use only fully composted coffee grounds; dilute 1:30 with water for root drenching to avoid soil acidity spikes

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period
Remove faded foliage after seed set to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
Thin overcrowded seedlings to improve airflow and reduce competition

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: No documented toxicity to cats per ASPCA

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower for pollinator gardens; edible young leaves in small quantities