Tadka is part of every Indian kitchen, and while preparing tadka in culinary mustard seeds, they play a key ingredient in adding flavour and texture to many dishes, including curries, salads, and pickles. Additionally, whether adding a flavour to the dish or making a mustard paste from it, its versatility allows it to be incorporated into cooking in many different ways.
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Growing mustard seeds at home is a possible and rewarding task as it requires patience, which is quite fulfilling in the future. By knowing the right tips and care, you can easily grow a mustard plant that will ultimately help in your culinary practices in the kitchen. The guide below shows step-by-step instructions on how to grow mustard seeds at home.
5 Tips To Grow Mustard Seeds At Home
Choose The Right Container
Start by choosing a suitable container or a pot for your mustard seeds. When they grow, they have shallow roots, so you don't need a very deep pot. A container that is at least 6-8 inches deep and wide will work well. Additionally, you need to make sure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
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Soil Requirements
Mustard plants grow well when planted in well-draining soil. A good mix for growing mustard seeds is equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand. However, making this combination ensures that the soil is rich in nutrients and has good drainage.
Also, before planting, make sure the soil is loose and crumbly. If you’re using garden soil, consider mixing it with compost to improve its quality.
Watering
Watering is crucial for the maintenance of healthy growth of mustard plants. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as mustard plants need a steady supply of moisture. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently. You can use a watering can with a gentle spout to avoid disturbing the seedlings and soil.
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Fertilising
About once a month, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser to the soil. You should follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for the correct amount.
Do not over-fertilise, as over-fertilising can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of seed production, so it's better to use a moderate amount. Additionally, you can mix some compost into the soil to provide additional nutrients to the plant.
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Harvesting
Harvesting mustard seeds is a simple process but requires a little bit of patience. When the plants start to flower, they will produce seed pods. Wait until the pods turn brown and dry on the plant.
However, this usually happens about 4-6 weeks after flowering. Gently shake the pods to release the seeds or cut the pods and place them in a paper bag to dry further. Once fully dry, you can store the seeds in an airtight container for future use in your daily needs in the kitchen.