Upland Cress in Zone 9a & 9b
Barbarea verna
When to plant upland cress in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Feb 8–Feb 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 30–Apr 6 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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