Upland Cress in Zone 3a & 3b
Barbarea verna
When to plant upland cress in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b 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 23–May 30 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 12–Jul 19 (~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 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. 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 3b 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 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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