Mustard Seeds

Cover Crop Mustard Seeds (Brassica spp.)

Mustard is a fast-growing annual cover crop with natural biofumigant properties that suppress soilborne diseases and pests—especially effective before crops like tomatoes and peppers. Its rapid biomass production also shades out weeds and improves soil structure. Plant in early spring or late summer, and always terminate before flowering to prevent reseeding and escape into wild areas.

Key Characteristics

• Natural Biofumigation for Soil Health
  When incorporated into soil, mustard releases compounds that suppress fungal pathogens, nematodes, and bacterial diseases, helping clean the soil naturally before your next crop.
• Rotation Tool for Disease-Prone Vegetables
  Use mustard ahead of tomatoes, peppers, and other susceptible crops to disrupt pest and disease cycles. It’s especially effective in breaking up pathogen pressure in annual veggie rotations.
• Fast Biomass and Weed Suppression
  Quick to germinate and vigorous in growth, mustard creates a dense canopy that crowds out weeds and adds organic matter when turned in.
• Clear Management Required
  Mustard can escape cultivation and outcompete natives. Always terminate 30–50 days after planting—before flowering—to avoid reseeding.
• Flexible Planting Windows
  Sow in early spring (as soon as the soil is workable) or late summer (6–8 weeks before frost). Germinates best in 45–50°F soil. Works great between vegetable crops or during fallow periods.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eurasia (non-native)
• Plant Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet
• Mature Height: 2–4 ft
• Bloom Time: Late spring (terminate before flowering)
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Used as annual in Zones 4–10

Mustard is a high-impact, short-cycle cover crop for serious soil work—just treat it with care. Timed and managed properly, it’s one of the best tools for regenerative growers.