Plant Details

Lunaria annua, L. biennis

Honesty

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Lunaria annua, L. biennis.

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General Information

Scientific name: Lunaria annua, L. biennis
Also known as: Honesty

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Size: Small
Height: 0.60 m
Width: 0.30 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-10
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Condiment, Root, Seed
Edibility:
(2)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
Bee forage

Description

Cooked seeds have a sharp taste and can be used as an alternative to mustard. The sharp taste of mustard occurs when cold water is added to the ground seeds, causing an enzyme (myrosin) to react with a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulfur compound. This reaction usually takes 10-15 minutes. If the seeds are mixed with hot water or vinegar, or if salt is added, the enzyme is inhibited, resulting in a mild bitter mustard. Carrots can be eaten raw, and it is advisable to use them before the plant produces flowers.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/06
End of Harvest: 30/09