Barrelier's Mustard
brassica barrelieri
Also known as: ["Barrelier's Cabbage","Barrelier's Kale"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Brassica |
| Botanical Name: | Brassica barrelieri |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; remove yellow or dead leaves promptly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); prefers cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before flowering.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Maintain moisture.
- Provide warmth and light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for optimal root development.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss blend.
Hormone
Optional for stem cuttings, but can improve rooting success.
Timeline
Seeds: 7–14 days to germinate; cuttings: 2–4 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off damaged leaves at the base with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out root bound plants; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bolting (premature flowering) in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or death in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); plant in sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to glucosinolates, which may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Chronic exposure could lead to thyroid-related issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSimilar to humans, dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to the glucosinolate content. Prolonged or excessive consumption could potentially affect thyroid function.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicBrassica barrelieri contains glucosinolates, which can release goitrogens and thiocyanates upon consumption. These compounds may interfere with thyroid function and cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brassica barrelieri edible?
A: Yes, it is used as a culinary herb and its fruits are edible.
Q: Where is Brassica barrelieri native to?
A: It is native to the Mediterranean region.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Brassica barrelieri?
A: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring low maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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