How to Grow Land Cress
Barbarea verna
Land cress is a hardy, peppery salad leaf that grows in ordinary moist soil — no stream required. Direct sow from late winter through early autumn in a cool, partly shaded spot. It matures in 40–60 days and can be harvested cut-and-come-again over a long season. Succession sow every 3–4 weeks for continuity. Very frost-tolerant; one of the best winter salad options.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 4°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 2 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light liquid feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Rich soil reduces the need for feeding.
- Sow every 3–4 weeks from late winter to early autumn for a near-year-round supply. Grows in ordinary moist soil — no stream needed. Partial shade in summer extends the harvest season. A versatile and reliable watercress alternative.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 4°C+
- Germination temperature
- 7–18°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 20 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Can be sown more densely for cut-and-come-again baby leaf harvesting. Does not need water or a stream — grows in ordinary moist garden soil.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Flea Beetle
Identification: Numerous tiny round holes across leaves (shot-hole damage); small, shiny black beetles that jump when disturbed
- Cover with fine mesh or fleece from sowing — the most effective control
- Keep soil moist; flea beetles prefer dry conditions
- Spray with pyrethrin-based insecticide in the evening
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Ragged holes in leaves overnight; slime trails on foliage and soil
- Apply organic ferric phosphate slug pellets around seedlings
- Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets
Disease Downy Mildew Hyaloperonospora barbareae
Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with grey-white fuzzy growth on undersides; leaves become papery
Treatment: Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Prevention: Good spacing; water at base; rotate brassica crops
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 4°C |
| Germination temperature | 7–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 3°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Land Cress?
- Plant Land Cress 15cm apart with 20cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Land Cress?
- Land Cress is ready to harvest approximately 30 days after transplanting.
- Is Land Cress frost hardy?
- Land Cress is classified as Hardy.
