Upland Cress Seeds

Upland Cress is a fast-growing, hardy green that boasts a peppery, tangy flavor similar to watercress, but it thrives without the need for aquatic conditions. This nutrient-rich herb is a great addition to any garden, providing fresh, spicy leaves for salads, sandwiches, or garnishes. Upland Cress is perfect for gardeners looking for a quick-growing, flavorful green that can be harvested early and throughout the season. Known for its resilience, this herb can tolerate a range of conditions, making it an easy and rewarding plant to grow.

Key Benefits

• Peppery, Tangy Flavor: Offers a spicy, mustard-like flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes.
• Fast-Growing: Quick to germinate and mature, Upland Cress can be harvested within weeks of planting.
• Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamins A and C, calcium, and antioxidants, Upland Cress is a healthy addition to any meal.
• Cold Tolerant: Thrives in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for early spring or late fall planting.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Ideal for salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, or as a garnish, adding a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Upland Cress has small, rounded, deep green leaves that grow in a dense rosette. The plants can produce small white flowers in late spring.
• Flavor Profile: Spicy and peppery, with a tangy, mustard-like taste that is both bold and refreshing.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a compact, dense clump with leaves that are tender and edible.
• Height: Typically grows to about 6–12 inches tall, depending on growing conditions.
• Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 3–9, Upland Cress tolerates cool temperatures and can be grown early in the season.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Outdoors: Upland Cress can be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. It can tolerate light frost.
• Indoors: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to allow for good airflow and healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Upland Cress can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Sunlight: Needs full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, partial shade helps prevent bolting.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as Upland Cress prefers humid, cool conditions. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and again when the plants are about 6 inches tall to encourage healthy growth.
• Pruning: Regularly trim the leaves to prevent the plants from becoming too leggy. Remove any flowers that appear to prolong the harvest of tender leaves.
• Pest and Disease Control: Upland Cress is generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to aphids. Use organic pest control methods if needed.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Upland Cress is ready for its first harvest in as little as 3–4 weeks, depending on growing conditions.
• Method: Harvest by snipping the leaves with scissors or garden shears. For continuous harvesting, trim the outer leaves and allow the center of the plant to continue growing.
• Best Time: For the best flavor, harvest Upland Cress when the leaves are young and tender, before flowering begins.

Storage

• Short-Term: Fresh Upland Cress can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Store the leaves in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Long-Term: Upland Cress can be frozen for long-term storage. Blanch the leaves briefly and freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Upland Cress adds a spicy, peppery kick to fresh salads.
• Sandwiches: Use the tender leaves as a garnish or add them to sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
• Stir-Fries: Add Upland Cress to stir-fries for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garnish: Sprinkle Upland Cress on soups, stews, or pasta dishes as a fresh, zesty garnish.
• Smoothies: Incorporate fresh Upland Cress into smoothies for a healthy, peppery twist.

Conclusion

Upland Cress is a nutritious, fast-growing green that adds a peppery, tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you're using it fresh in salads or as a garnish, or adding it to cooked meals, Upland Cress is a versatile herb that thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested quickly. With its rich nutritional profile and easy care requirements, it's an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. Add Upland Cress to your garden for a spicy, healthful addition to your meals throughout the growing season.