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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Indian Mustard
Nature's soil fumigant—suppresses pathogens, nematodes, and weed seeds via glucosinolate biofumigation. Fast 45-60 day cover crop. Brassica juncea.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Indian Mustard
The biofumigant cover crop. Indian Mustard produces glucosinolate compounds that, when chopped and incorporated into soil, release natural fumigant gases (isothiocyanates) that suppress soil-borne pathogens, nematodes, and weed seeds. It's nature's alternative to synthetic soil fumigation. Plant it, grow a dense canopy in 45-60 days, chop it at early flowering, and till it in immediately—the glucosinolates break down into gases that sanitize the top soil layer. Used commercially before high-value vegetable and berry plantings to reduce disease pressure without chemicals.
Category
Brassica
Type
Indian Mustard
Scientific Name
Brassica juncea
Zones
Annual in all zones
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The biofumigant cover crop. Indian Mustard produces glucosinolate compounds that, when chopped and incorporated into soil, release natural fumigant gases (isothiocyanates) that suppress soil-borne pathogens, nematodes, and weed seeds. It's nature's alternative to synthetic soil fumigation. Plant it, grow a dense canopy in 45-60 days, chop it at early flowering, and till it in immediately—the glucosinolates break down into gases that sanitize the top soil layer. Used commercially before high-value vegetable and berry plantings to reduce disease pressure without chemicals.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Plant 60-90 days before incorporation
Step 2
No specific fertilizer requirement
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake or press into surface
Step 5
Water if dry conditions exist
Step 6
Mow finely at bloom and IMMEDIATELY incorporate
Best For
Biofumigation before high-value vegetable plantings|Soil pathogen suppression (Verticillium, Fusarium, Pythium)|Nematode reduction in infested fields|Pre-strawberry or pre-potato soil preparation|Rapid fall cover crop (45-60 days to incorporation)|Nitrogen scavenging (captures residual N after cash crops)|Integrated pest management programs|Organic farming soil health protocols
FAQs
1.
What is purple top turnip?
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), also called brown mustard or Chinese mustard, is a fast-growing annual brassica used as a cover crop for biofumigation, weed suppression, and soil improvement. When chopped and incorporated into soil, Indian mustard releases glucosinolates—naturally occurring compounds that break down into isothiocyanates (similar to the active ingredient in synthetic soil fumigants). This biofumigation effect suppresses soilborne diseases, nematodes, and weed seeds.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Biofumigation works by incorporating fresh, chopped Indian mustard tissue into moist soil during active growth (typically at flowering stage). Cell rupture releases glucosinolates that convert to isothiocyanates—volatile compounds toxic to soilborne pathogens, nematodes, and weed seeds. For maximum effect: chop or flail-mow the stand, immediately incorporate into the top 4-6 inches of soil, and seal the surface with irrigation or a roller to trap gases. The fumigation effect lasts 1-3 weeks.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Plant Indian mustard in spring (April-May) or late summer (August-September). Spring plantings reach incorporation stage in 45-60 days. Late summer plantings provide biofumigation before fall planting of garlic, strawberries, or cover crop mixes. Indian mustard germinates in 3-7 days at soil temperatures above 45°F and grows rapidly in cool weather. It does not tolerate hard frost, so time fall plantings to allow full growth before killing frost.
4.
What is the seeding rate for Indian mustard?
Seed Indian mustard at 8-12 lbs per acre broadcast, or 5-8 lbs per acre drilled in rows. For small garden plots, use 0.25-0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. Indian mustard establishes quickly and needs no inoculant (it is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen). A firm seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact ensures uniform establishment.
5.
Does Indian mustard fix nitrogen like clover?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What soil conditions does Indian mustard prefer?
Indian mustard grows in a wide range of soils with pH 5.5-8.0. It performs best in well-drained loam but tolerates clay and sandy soils. Indian mustard is notably tolerant of heavy metals and has been researched for phytoremediation—using plants to extract contaminants from soil. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions or standing water. For biofumigation, soil moisture at incorporation is critical—moist soil is needed to activate the glucosinolate conversion.