How to Grow Upland Cress
Barbarea verna
Your complete guide to growing Upland Cress.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Upland Cress
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | — | May – July | July – September |
| Zone 3 | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | — | January – March | March – December |
| Zone 11 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 12 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 13 | — | January – February | February – December |
Companion Plants for Upland Cress
✓ Good companions
Deep roots don't compete with shallow cress roots, and carrots help aerate soil
Repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack leafy greens
Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps that control aphids
Similar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient use of garden space
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that damage leafy greens
Act as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, drawing pests away from cress
Break up soil for shallow-rooted cress and mature quickly without competing for space
Compatible growth habits and water needs, both prefer cool weather
✗ Keep away from
Compete for same nutrients and attract similar pests like flea beetles and cabbage worms
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables including cress
Create excessive shade and compete aggressively for water and nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
