What they do
Native mustards can provide small, accessible flowers that many pollinators can use, especially when planted in groups.
Plant profile
Mustards
Family Brassicaceae (native genera)
Native mustards are a group of quick-blooming wildflowers in the mustard family that can add early-to-mid season nectar and pollen to gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (annuals/biennials) > Mustards
Aliases
Mustards
Native Range
Native species occur across parts of Canada, including the Toronto region (species vary).
Bloom window
Often spring into summer (varies by species)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Native mustards are a flexible choice for pollinator-friendly planting because they tend to grow quickly and bloom in clusters of small flowers. They’re especially handy in new gardens, schoolyard projects, and small spaces where you want visible results without waiting years.
To get the most benefit, plant mustards in a small group rather than as single scattered plants. Pair them with other native flowers that bloom earlier and later so your patch has a longer season of blooms. If you want them to come back, let some plants finish flowering and set seed.
If you’re shopping for seed, double-check that you’re choosing native species suited to your area. The mustard family includes many non-native plants too, and some can spread more than you’d like in a small garden.
Best role for pollinators
Fast, pollinator-friendly blooms in small spaces, new gardens, and schoolyard habitat patches
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mustards |
| Bloom window | Often spring into summer (varies by species) |
| Typical height | Low to medium (varies by species) |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Flies, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Sun to part sun; average moisture (species vary) |
| Best roles for pollinators | Fast, pollinator-friendly blooms in small spaces, new gardens, and schoolyard habitat patches |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Light, open soil and a bit of space—most do best when they aren’t crowded by taller plants or thick mulch.
One best action
Plant a small patch (or a pot) and let a few plants go to seed so they can return next year.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Native mustards are a practical way to add quick, pollinator-friendly blooms to small or new habitat plantings, especially when planted in groups and paired with other flowers that bloom before and after them.
Many mustard-family plants make long, narrow seed pods after flowering—spotting the pods is a handy clue for identification.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Small flowers can be easy for many insects to visit.
- Fast-growing annuals/biennials can add blooms while other plants are still getting established.
- Planting in clusters makes it easier for pollinators to find and use the flowers.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Mustard-family plants share a few common features that can help you recognize them even when you don’t know the exact species.
Leaves
Often start as a low rosette; leaf shapes vary by species and can be smooth or slightly toothed.
Flowers
Usually four petals per flower, often in small clusters; colors vary by species.
Fruits
Typically narrow pods that develop after flowering and hold many small seeds.
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open sunny areas
- Meadow-like edges
- Disturbed soils and garden beds (depending on species)
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch starter plant
- Filler for sunny beds while perennials establish
- Meadow-style edges and pathways
- Container planting for balconies or school entrances
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Bloom timing depends on the species, but native mustards often show up early and can keep going for weeks.
Bloom Season Role: Quick blooms that help cover gaps early in the season
Seasonal benefits
- Adds flowers when gardens may still be waking up
- Helps keep a steady sequence of blooms when planted with other species
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Full sun to part sun for best flowering.
Soil type
Most do well in average garden soil that drains reasonably well; avoid heavy, constantly wet spots.
Moisture needs
Water to help seedlings establish, then aim for steady, moderate moisture—especially in containers.
Planting method
Direct-sow in a prepared patch or pot; press seed into the soil surface and keep lightly moist until sprouting.
Mulching tips
Use a thin layer of mulch around (not over) seedlings; thick mulch can block small seeds from sprouting.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Choose a sunny or partly sunny spot (a pot is fine).
- Clear away thick weeds and loosen the top layer of soil.
- Scatter seed thinly and press it into the soil; don’t bury it too deep.
- Water gently and keep the surface lightly moist until seedlings are established.
- Thin crowded seedlings so plants have room to grow and flower.
Seasonal care
- Weed lightly while plants are small so they aren’t shaded out.
- Water during dry spells, especially in containers.
- Deadhead for a tidier look, or leave some seed pods to encourage reseeding.
- Mix with other native flowers so something is blooming before and after the mustards.
What not to do
- Sowing into a weedy patch and hoping the seedlings will compete.
- Burying seed too deeply or covering it with thick mulch.
- Overwatering containers so roots stay wet.
- Spraying pesticides when you notice leaf damage.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Early-blooming native wildflowers (local species)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Summer-blooming native wildflowers (local species)
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-summer and fall-blooming native wildflowers (local species)
“Mustards” includes both native and non-native plants; if you’re buying seed, look for native species or mixes intended for your local area and avoid aggressive, weedy types.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see on seed packets or plant tags:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.