Overview

Embark on a rewarding gardening journey with our premium organic upland cress seeds. Sourced from the freshest harvests, these seeds promise a bountiful yield of tender, flavorful greens. Upland cress, scientifically known as Barbarea verna, is a popular cool-season annual or biennial herb cherished for its peppery, slightly bitter taste, reminiscent of watercress. It’s often referred to as early cress seeds or greasy greens seeds due to its rapid growth and distinct leaf texture. Ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners, these seeds are perfect for growing delicious, nutritious greens for salads, sandwiches, or as a vibrant garnish. Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own organic produce, ensuring freshness and quality right from your garden.

Our upland cress seeds are certified organic, meaning they are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, contributing to a healthier environment and more wholesome food. The ‘new season’ designation guarantees optimal germination rates and vigorous growth. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary herb collection or simply enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables, these seeds are an excellent choice. They adapt well to various growing conditions, making them a versatile addition to any garden space, from expansive beds to compact container setups.

Key Benefits

Growing organic upland cress seeds offers a multitude of advantages for both your garden and your plate. These easy-to-grow herbs provide a consistent supply of fresh greens, enhancing your meals with their unique flavor and nutritional value.

• Rich in Nutrients: Upland cress is packed with vitamins K, C, and A, as well as essential minerals, contributing to a healthy diet. Enjoy a boost of antioxidants with every harvest.
• Rapid Growth: Known for being early cress seeds, these plants mature quickly, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Perfect for gardeners who love quick results.
• Versatile Culinary Use: The distinct peppery flavor of upland cress makes it an excellent addition to salads, soups, stir-fries, and as a flavorful garnish for various dishes.
• Easy to Grow: These barbarea seeds are relatively low-maintenance, thriving in a range of conditions and suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Indoor & Outdoor Adaptability: Upland cress can be successfully grown in outdoor garden beds or containers, as well as indoors on a sunny windowsill, providing fresh greens year-round.
• Edible & Evergreen: Beyond their delicious taste, these plants maintain their lush green foliage, adding aesthetic appeal to your garden while providing a continuous supply of edible leaves.
• Supports Biodiversity: Growing organic upland cress seeds contributes to a healthier ecosystem by promoting sustainable gardening practices and supporting beneficial insects.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Cultivating vibrant organic upland cress seeds is straightforward with the right care. Upland cress (Barbarea verna) thrives in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden bed or containers. Choose a location that receives partial to full sun, ideally with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. While it tolerates a range of light conditions, excessive heat and intense midday sun can cause the plants to bolt (go to seed prematurely).

The ideal soil for upland cress seeds is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is preferred. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during germination and early growth. Upland cress requires heavy watering, meaning the soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plants and affect flavor. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced organic fertilizer if your soil is poor, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flavor. Pests are generally not a major issue, but keep an eye out for aphids and flea beetles; organic pest control methods can be used if necessary. The plant is quite hardy and can often withstand light frosts, extending its growing season.

Size & Details

Our organic upland cress seeds are provided in generous quantities, typically 1000+ seeds per packet, ensuring you have plenty for multiple plantings or larger garden spaces. These herb seeds are designed for high germination rates and robust growth. When mature, upland cress plants generally reach a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) with a similar spread, forming a compact, leafy mound. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a slightly waxy, ‘greasy’ feel, hence the common name greasy greens seeds. They are typically ready for harvest in about 30-40 days from sowing when grown under optimal conditions. This rapid growth makes them an excellent choice for successive plantings throughout the cool seasons. The plants will produce small yellow flowers if allowed to bolt, which can then lead to seed production for future planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many organic upland cress seeds are in a packet? A: Each packet typically contains 1000+ seeds, providing ample supply for multiple plantings and ensuring a generous harvest of fresh greens.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Upland cress is versatile and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in outdoor garden beds during cooler seasons and can also be successfully cultivated indoors on a sunny windowsill for year-round fresh greens.
• Q: How much sunlight does upland cress seeds need? A: Upland cress prefers partial to full sun, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial to prevent bolting.
• Q: When is the best time to plant early cress seeds? A: The best time to plant is in early spring or late summer/early fall, as upland cress thrives in cooler temperatures. This allows for a harvest before the intense summer heat or winter freezes.
• Q: How long until I can harvest the greens? A: Upland cress is a fast-growing herb. You can typically start harvesting the tender leaves in about 30-40 days after sowing the greasy greens seeds.
• Q: Is upland cress easy to care for? A: Yes, upland cress is considered a low-maintenance herb, making it suitable for beginners. Its primary needs are consistent moisture and cool temperatures.
• Q: What condition will the seeds arrive in? A: Our seeds are fresh, organic, and from the new season, ensuring high viability and germination rates upon arrival. They are carefully packaged to maintain their quality.
• Q: Will these barbarea seeds grow in all USDA zones? A: Upland cress is typically grown as a cool-season annual. While it can tolerate light frosts, it’s best suited for growing in spring and fall across most USDA zones. It may overwinter in milder climates.