The field is shining yellow in the sun. But is it mustard or rapeseed? Below you will learn the most important characteristics of mustard and rapeseed and how you can distinguish rapeseed from mustard.
What is the difference between mustard plants and rapeseed?
The main difference between mustard and rapeseed is the flowering period: rapeseed blooms in spring (April-May), while mustard blooms in summer (June-September). Mustard leaves are also more serrated and pinnate than rapeseed leaves.
The similarities between mustard and rapeseed
Mustard and rapeseed look similar for a reason: they both belong to the cruciferous family, both bloom yellow and even the leaves are similar. They also have in common a height of 30 to 150 or 180cm and
Mustard and rapeseed in profile comparison
| Comparison feature | Mustard | Raps |
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Cabbage (Brassica) (Brown and Black Mustard), Mustard (Yellow Mustard) | Cabbage (Brassica) |
| Family | Cruciferous vegetables (Brassicales) | Cruciferous vegetables (Brassicales) |
| Botanical name | Sinapis (yellow or white mustard), Brassica nigra (black mustard), Brassica juncea (brown mustard) | Brassica napus |
| Growth height | 30 to 180cm | 30 to 150cm |
| leaves | pinnate leaves with jagged edges, reminiscent of rocket | feathered, slightly less jagged than mustard |
| Bloom | light yellow flowers with four petals | light yellow flowers with four petals |
| Flowering time | June to September | April to May |
| Usage | Leaves as a salad garnish or spice in dishes, seeds for mustard production or as a spice, green manure | For the production of rapeseed oil and animal feed |
The main distinguishing feature: the flowering period
Even though the flowers of rapeseed and mustard look very similar, it is quite easy to tell them apart. Because rapeseed and mustard never actually bloom at the same time. While rapeseed has its flowering period in late spring in the months of April and May, mustard blooms in the summer, usually from August, rarely in July or June. A few inconspicuous differences can also be noticed in the leaves: Like this Mustard leaves have more jagged edges and are often more pinnate than rapeseed leaves.
One thing is certain: the smell test
Everyone knows the pungent smell of rapeseed. Doesn't the field smell like that? Then it's definitely mustard.
Use of rapeseed and mustard
While mustard seeds are very aromatic and are therefore very popular as a spice, rapeseeds are used to produce oil. The leaves of mustard also have a mild mustard flavor and are therefore used in salads or as a seasoning in soups etc.used. What hardly anyone knows: rapeseed leaves are also edible. However, they are less aromatic than mustard, but can also be used fresh or cooked. Make sure you harvest unsprayed leaves and grab them before flowering!