Photo: Olivier Pichard, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Charlock: when and how to prune
Sinapis arvensis
Charlock is best pruned in July–August.
| Pruning months | July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Charlock: when to prune it?
No pruning. To prevent self-seeding, mow or pull the plants in July–August, as soon as the first pods have formed and before they ripen.
Charlock: how to prune it?
- Pull or mow flowering plants before the pods turn brown.
- In a cornfield flower border, leave some standing until the seed is ripe, for the birds and for next year.
- Mown plants with green pods can still ripen seed: take them away if you do not want new charlock.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.