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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Hedge mustard: when and how to prune
Sisymbrium officinale
Hedge mustard is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Hedge mustard: when to prune it?
In July, cut some of the stems to limit self-seeding; the rest not until March.
Hedge mustard: how to prune it?
- In July, cut the stems of plants you do not want to self-seed.
- Leave a few plants standing through winter as a stiff skeleton.
- Cut or pull the dead stems in March, before the new rosettes grow.
- Do not put stems with ripe seed on the compost heap if you do not want the plant everywhere.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Hedge mustard · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.