Upland Cress

Upland Cress is a hardy, fast-growing green that thrives in both cool and warm climates, making it a versatile addition to any garden. With its mildly peppery flavor, similar to arugula, it adds a unique taste to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for various dishes. Unlike traditional cress, Upland Cress doesn't require constant moisture, making it easier to grow and less maintenance-intensive. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including high amounts of vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which contribute to a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. Upland Cress is also a resilient plant, capable of growing in containers or garden beds, making it an excellent option for gardeners with limited space. Its quick growth cycle means you can enjoy fresh, homegrown greens in as little as 30 days, perfect for gardeners who love to harvest often.

Also Known As: Pepper Cress, Garden Cress, Curled Cress, Watercress, Land Cress, Scurvy Grass, Indian Cress, Mustard Cress, Winter Cress, Rock Cress, Poor Man's Pepper, Peppergrass, Cress, Scurvy Grass.

Plant Name:	Cress, Upland
Latin Name:	Barbarea verna
Days to Germinate:	3-7
Days to Harvest:	30
Plant Height:	12 - 18 inches
Spread:	6 - 12 inches
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Cress grows best in cooler temperatures (55F-65F). Plant cress in the spring after all danger of frost has passed as soon as the soil can be worked. For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 4-6 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin plants after germination, broadcast seeds then separate to 6 inches apart after emergence to give plants more spacing for larger growth. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Additional fertilizing is usually not needed because the plant grows so quickly. If growth is slow or leaves are smaller than expected, you may optionally apply a light dressing of a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest Upland Cress when the leaves are young and tender, about 30-40 days after planting. Cut the outer leaves using scissors or garden shears, leaving the younger, inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest the leaves as needed, taking no more than a third of the plant at a time to encourage new growth. It’s best to harvest before the plant bolts (flowers and goes to seed), as this can make the leaves taste more bitter. Regular harvesting will keep the plant productive and ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens.