How to Grow American Cress
American Cress
Barbarea verna
vegetableAmerican cress, also known as winter cress or land cress, is a cold-hardy leafy green with a peppery, mustard-like flavor similar to watercress. It grows as a biennial but is typically harvested in its first year as a tender, nutritious salad green. This hardy plant thrives in cool seasons and can be grown year-round in mild climates.
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Example American Cress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant American Cress
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest American Cress
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact American Cress dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9; extremely cold-hardy and prefers cool weather
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny rounded cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with lobed margins characteristic of Barbarea species.
Keep soil moist and provide consistent light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Protect from heavy rain that may splash soil.
Vegetative/Rosette Formation
2-3 weeksPlant develops a basal rosette of increasingly serrated, deeply lobed leaves with a glossy appearance. Leaves become peppery and tender.
Water consistently, maintain cool temperatures (ideal 50-70°F), and provide partial shade in warm weather. Thin to final spacing if not done earlier.
Growth/Leaf Expansion
2-3 weeksRosette expands with larger, more developed leaves ready for harvest. Plant is low-growing, typically 6-12 inches tall at maturity.
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves to encourage further growth. Water regularly and monitor for pests. Mulch to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
Mature/Harvestable
2-4 weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant tender leaves displaying deep serration and rich green color. Flavor is most peppery at this stage.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to prevent bolting. Cut leaves in morning for best flavor and texture. Continue watering during dry periods.
Bolting (if left unharvested)
VariablePlant sends up flowering stalks with small yellow flowers in clusters if temperatures warm or day length increases. Leaves become tougher and more bitter.
Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production. In cool climates, can save seeds from second-year plants if desired. Otherwise, remove bolted plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers, neem oil spray, or diatomaceous earth. Plant early spring or fall to avoid peak flea beetle season. Remove affected leaves.
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Deploy row covers, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, or hand-pick caterpillars. Remove plant debris that harbors pupae.
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, or use neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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and
Remove debris and mulch that provide daytime shelter. Set beer traps, handpick at night, or apply food-grade diatomaceous earth around plants.
Uses
Peppery Salad Green
CulinaryAmerican cress adds a distinctive peppery, mustard-like flavor to fresh green salads and coleslaw. Young tender leaves are milder and work well raw in sandwiches and wraps. [source]
Cooked Greens & Sautes
CulinaryMature leaves can be wilted or sautéed like spinach and pair well with garlic, onion, and olive oil. Often used in European cuisine as a winter green substitute for watercress. [source]
Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like calcium and iron. Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory health and digestion due to its warming, peppery compounds. [source]
Natural Preservative & Flavor
HouseholdThe peppery volatile oils in American cress have been used as a natural preservative in traditional food preservation. Fresh leaves can be used to infuse vinegars. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, the small yellow blooms attract early spring and late fall pollinators including bees and beneficial insects when few other flowers are available. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after sowing. Pinch or cut outer leaves at the base, leaving the center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and texture. For whole-plant harvest, cut at soil level. Regular harvesting prevents bolting and encourages bushy growth. In cool seasons, plants can produce for 6-8 weeks or longer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 American cress is so cold-hardy that it can survive harsh winters and actually tastes better after a frost, which converts some starches to sugars and enhances the peppery flavor.
- 🌱 Despite its name, American cress is native to southern and central Europe, not America—it earned the 'American' designation because it became popular in North American cuisine as a hardy alternative to watercress.
- 🌱 Barbarea verna is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years, but gardeners typically harvest it as an annual in the first year before it bolts and flowers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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