How to Grow Land Cress
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Land Cress
Barbarea verna
vegetableLand cress is a cool-season leafy green with small, deeply lobed leaves that offer a peppery, mustard-like flavor similar to watercress. This hardy brassica is easier to grow than watercress since it doesn't require running water and tolerates a wider range of conditions. It's an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be harvested year-round in mild climates.
When should you plant Land Cress in your zone?
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Example Land Cress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Land 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 Land Cress
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Land Cress dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; best growth in cool seasons (spring and fall)
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Get my Land Cress timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge within 7-10 days
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain soil temperature between 45-60°F for best germination. Provide indirect light.
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 true leaves and establish root system
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin light watering once established.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops characteristic deeply lobed leaves and bushy foliage
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks if desired.
Leaf Production
Ongoing until boltingPlant reaches harvestable size with abundant tender leaves ready for picking
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued growth. Continue regular watering and cool conditions. Remove any flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
Bolting
Variable, longer in cool seasonsPlant sends up flower stalks with small yellow flowers; leaves become bitter
Harvest remaining leaves before bolting becomes extensive. In cool climates, can continue harvesting if bolting is slow. Consider succession planting for continuous harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Install fine mesh netting; handpick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Salad Greens & Raw Consumption
CulinaryLand cress adds a peppery, mustard-like kick to fresh salads and mixed greens. The young, tender leaves are ideal for raw consumption and pair well with milder lettuces and vinaigrettes. [source]
Cooked Greens & Hot Dishes
CulinaryMature leaves can be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and stir-fries similar to spinach. Cooking mellows the peppery bite while retaining nutritional value. [source]
Nutritional & Health Support
MedicinalLand cress is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like calcium and iron. It contains glucosinolates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer properties and present in all brassicas. [source]
Watercress Substitute
HouseholdAn excellent garden-grown alternative to watercress, offering similar flavor and nutrition without requiring specialized water conditions. Ideal for home growers wanting watercress-like greens. [source]
Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, land cress provides pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. The flowers are small and bright yellow, attracting various beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves 30-50 days after planting when they reach 4-6 inches long. Pinch or cut outer leaves from the base to encourage continued growth and prevent bolting. Can be harvested as baby greens (20-30 days) or at full maturity. In cool seasons, can harvest for several months. Best flavor is when leaves are tender and plants are actively growing in cool temperatures.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Land cress is also called 'upland cress' or 'winter cress' and is a hardier relative of watercress that can thrive in regular garden soil rather than requiring shallow running water.
- 🌱 It's a biennial plant that overwinters in mild climates, meaning it can produce leaves continuously through winter and into the next growing season in zones 7-9.
- 🌱 The plant was historically used in Europe as a watercress substitute and remains popular in Mediterranean and British cuisines for its distinctive peppery bite.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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