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Upland Cress — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Upland Cress
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

50days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z1–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before last frost (spring) or 8 weeks before first frost (fall), pressing seeds lightly to soil surface; or start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant time

Cultivation

Sun: Part sun
Water: Consistent; approximately 1 inch per week
Soil: Well-draining loam enriched with organic matter, moderate fertility
Spacing: 6-8 inches
Height: 6-8 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green
Size: 6-8"
Shape: Rounded leaves in rosette form
Flavour: Peppery, slightly bitter, mineral-forward; milder than watercress, with tender young leaves and more pronounced spice in mature growth

In the kitchen

Raw in salads, cooked like spinach, soups, sandwiches, fermented condiment

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Cabbage moths, flea beetles, slugs
Diseases: Downy mildew, damping off (seedlings in waterlogged conditions)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	June – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	March – December
11	—	—	January – February	February – December
12	—	—	January – February	February – December
13	—	—	January – February	February – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack leafy greens

RadishesBreak up soil for shallow-rooted cress and mature quickly without competing for space

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow cress roots, and carrots help aerate soil

MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that damage leafy greens

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, drawing pests away from cress

LettuceSimilar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient use of garden space

SpinachCompatible growth habits and water needs, both prefer cool weather

DillAttracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps that control aphids

Avoid

BrassicasCompete for same nutrients and attract similar pests like flea beetles and cabbage worms

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables including cress

SunflowersCreate excessive shade and compete aggressively for water and nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Upland Cress

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Upland Cress?

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