PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 6 hours of direct sun for optimal seed production
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; tolerates light frost down to -2°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lobed, rough-textured basal leaves; upper leaves are smaller, less lobed
- Flower: Four-petaled bright yellow blooms in terminal racemes
- Stem: Erect, branched, covered in fine, stiff hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Apply balanced granular fertilizer at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Eggshell powder topdress：Finely crush dried eggshells and sprinkle around plant base; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent mold growthPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period
- Trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier, more compact growth
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve air circulation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; young leaves and seeds are edible
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Culinary: Young leaves used as salad greens; seeds ground to make white mustard condiment; cover crop to suppress weeds and improve soil health
