Upland Cress in Zone 2a & 2b
Barbarea verna
When to plant upland cress in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Upland Cress doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 13–May 20 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 2–Jul 9 (~50 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-8 in.
Upland cress delivers watercress's peppery flavor without watercress's constant-moisture growing requirements, since it grows in ordinary garden soil rather than needing a bog-like bed or running water.
How upland cress fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Upland Cress needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Upland Cress.
Where to buy upland cress seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing upland cress" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Upland Cress in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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