Barbarea vulgaris aka Winter Cress

Taxonomy

Barbarea vulgaris, also known as wintercress, winter rocket, yellow rocketcress, yellow rocket, wound rocket, herb barbara, creases, or creasy greens, is a biennial or perennial herb in the mustard family Brassicaceae. Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and is commonly found throughout the New England states. In its first year, it forms a basal rosette of leaves and in the second year, it creates tall flowering stalks topped with goldenrod-colored flowers.

Common names

Winter Cress, Yellow Rocket, Bitter Wintercress, Bittercress, Garden Yellow Rocket

How to care for Winter Cress

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Winter Cress due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Winter Cress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Winter Cress is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Winter Cress thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Herb Barbaras.

Toxicity

Winter Cress is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Region of origin

Winter Cress’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia