1000 Upland Cress Seeds (Barbarea verna) – Peppery Salad Herb & Microgreens

Upland Cress (Barbarea verna) is a fast-growing, cool-season herb prized for its peppery, watercress-like flavor. Also known as land cress or American cress, this versatile green adds a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and soups. It thrives in moist soil and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for garden beds or containers. Upland cress is also popular for growing as microgreens, providing a quick and flavorful harvest indoors year-round.

With its rosette of dark green, lobed leaves, upland cress is both ornamental and edible. It can be harvested continuously for fresh greens, and its spicy notes make it a favorite among gardeners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance herb.

Plant Features

• Peppery, watercress-like flavor ideal for salads and garnishes
• Fast-growing cool-season annual or biennial
• Dark green, deeply lobed leaves form a compact rosette
• Excellent for microgreens production
• Tolerates partial shade and moist soil

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Barbarea verna
• Plant Type: Annual/Biennial herb
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Rosette-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Bloom Season: Spring to early summer (if allowed to bolt)
• Mature Height: 6-12 inches (leaves); flower stalks up to 24 inches
• Germination Requirements: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall; keep soil moist until germination
• Spacing: 6-8 inches apart

Planting & Care

For garden planting, sow upland cress seeds directly in prepared soil about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days at temperatures around 60-70°F. For microgreens, scatter seeds densely on the surface of moist growing medium, cover lightly, and keep in a warm, bright location. Harvest microgreens when they reach 2-3 inches tall, usually within 2-3 weeks.

Upland cress requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest outer leaves as needed, allowing the center to continue growing. To encourage tender new growth, pinch off flower stalks unless you plan to save seeds.

What's Included

1000 Upland Cress (Barbarea verna) seeds.