Malcolmia africana, or African mustard, is an annual plant from the Mediterranean Basin which has naturalized elsewhere, including much of western North America, and is invasive in Nevada and Utah. It has recently been shown to be only distantly related to Malcolmia proper and has been reclassified in the genus Strigosella. It is an annual herb growing in a prostrate patch or clump with stiff, furry stems up to half a meter long. The mustardlike flowers are pink to lavender and yield siliques up to 6 centimeters long.
African mustard has strong resistance to disease and generally does not commonly get sick. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are typically not severe. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage flowering. African mustard is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need more attention if grown indoors.
How to keep Malcolmia Africana.
Light
African mustard does best with abundant sunlight, similar to its native habitats. The plant grows most vigorously in ample sun but can still persist in partial shade. However, both too much and too little light can adversely affect its growth and overall health.
Temperature
African mustard can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though its distribution can still be restricted by specific combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or sustained high temperatures can increase the chance of African mustard dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold helps improve the plant’s survival.
Fertilizer
African mustard does well with regular, dilute fertilizer applications to encourage healthy leaf development. You should apply fertilizer about once per month during the summer. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and supplying nitrogen-rich sources helps African mustard thrive.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Malcolmia
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 34 cm
- Mature Spread
- 23 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Turkey, India, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Pakistan, Morocco, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iraq, Oman, Romania, France, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Armenia, Greece, Ukraine, Lebanon, China, Afghanistan, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Italy, Spain, Mongolia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Hungary, Kuwait, Turkmenistan
Other names.
