Cress Land

Barbarea vulgaris

Land cress, also called American cress is that rare find - a vegetable that actually prefers shade. This makes it ideal for growing underneath a tall crop, such as Jerusalem artichokes, runner (pole) beans or sweetcorn, even sunflowers. It tastes a lot like watercress and is used mainly as a substitute for it, but can also be used sparingly in salads, as a spinach substitute, or turned into an excellent soup.

Growing Tips: Keep the soil very moist with regular watering, preferably before mid afternoon. Continue to protect from slugs. Remove flower stalks as they appear.

Position: Sun to Part Sun

Height: 0.3cm Width: Spreading

Lifespan: Biennial

Use: Young leaves - raw, cooked or used as a seasoning. A hot, spicy watercress flavour, they are delicious in salads. Leaves can be obtained throughout the year if autumn-sown plants are given a light protection in winter. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads etc.

Harvest: Harvest regularly