Winter Cress
barbarea verna
Also known as: ["American cress","Scurvy Grass","Early Winter Cress"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant with pungent, edible leaves, historically used to prevent scurvy.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","culinary herb","cold hardy","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Barbarea |
| Botanical Name: | Barbarea verna |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging; ensure excess water can escape freely.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching; place in filtered sunlight indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile garden soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil by mixing in organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates light frost but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply hormone (if used), plant in medium, keep moist, and provide warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; seedlings prefer standard seed starting mix.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage faster root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; seedlings emerge in 1–3 weeks and mature in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems to encourage branching; trim leggy growth to promote compactness.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or yellowing leaves as needed.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged leaves, use clean tools, prune selectively, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growth period begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility and structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover or move to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, dilute fertilizer, water before application, stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBarbarea verna is generally non-toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to glucosinolates. The plant is not considered harmful to cats when consumed in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicBarbarea verna is generally non-toxic to dogs. However, ingestion in large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of glucosinolates. The plant is not typically harmful to dogs when consumed in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicBarbarea verna, commonly known as winter cress or early wintercress, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many Brassicaceae family members, it contains glucosinolates which can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities. The plant is often used in culinary applications and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Winter Cress edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible and have a pungent, mustard-like flavor.
Q: How do I grow Winter Cress?
A: Sow seeds in early spring or fall in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Winter Cress toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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