Brassica juncea 'Red Giant'
Purple sprouting broccoli, Indian mustard
Also known as Sinapis juncea 'Red Giant', Brassica juncea var. rugosa
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a hearty, lush looking annual. It has large oblong leaves with a white central rib. The leaves are crumpled and crinkled and there is a tracery of deep red veins on their surface. They are coloured in green and purple shades. There are columnar pale yellow flowers and these are followed by reddish brown seeds that are held in pods. The leaves can be eaten either cooked or raw. The seeds are used to make mustard powder. The plant itself has medicinal uses as a digestive and circulatory stimulant. Excess consumption can have emetic effects. The leaves can be a skin irritant in some people after prolonged contact.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Purple
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.4m
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin irritant
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.