Bittercress (Barbarea vulgaris)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bittercress on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Bittercress
Barbarea vulgaris, commonly known as winter cress or yellow rocket, is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, valued for its edible leaves and cold hardiness. It features basal rosettes of dark green, lobed leaves, which in spring develop flowering stalks bearing small yellow flowers. It's an excellent choice for winter vegetable gardens, along pathways, or as an edible wild plant in naturalized garden settings.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, though it tolerates a wide range of conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings; it's quite drought-tolerant once established. It adapts to most garden soils but flourishes in those rich in organic matter. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowering and the quality of leaves for consumption.
How to save a dying Bittercress
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, stunted growth, sudden wilting.
- First aid
- Transplant to better-draining soil or a larger pot. Ensure partial sun and moderate watering.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging or full shade. It doesn't tolerate extreme drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient if conditions are corrected.