Land ‘Common’ Cress

$4.80/150 seeds

Land cress is a low-growing biennial herb in the cabbage family, known for its dark green, lobed leaves and a hot, peppery flavor similar to watercress, but it grows in regular soil rather than needing a perpetually moist environment. Valued for its high content of vitamins A, C, and E, it’s used raw in salads or cooked as a substitute for spinach in soups, sandwiches, and other dishes. This hardy, low-maintenance plant is easy to grow, tolerates some heat, and can be harvested year-round, often self-seeding to provide a continuous supply of greens.

Quick Facts:

  • 30cm tall
  • Grown Organically – untreated seeds
  • Heirloom Variety open pollinated

>>Grown in the West Tamar in Tasmania using organic (non certified)/permaculture principles focusing on soil health<<

 

In stock

Additional information

Additional information

When to sow

Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter

How to Grow Spinach
To grow spinach, sow seeds directly into fertile soil, planting them about 8cm deep and 15cm apart, then keep the soil consistently moist. Spinach is a cool-season crop that bolts in heat, so plant in the spring before the last frost or in the fall. Water regularly, keep the area weed-free, and thin seedlings as needed to provide proper spacing. 1. Choose the right time to plant Cool Season: Spinach is a cool-season crop, so plant it 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring or in late summer for a Autumn harvest. Avoid Heat: Plant when temperatures are cool, as spinach can "bolt" and produce flowers in very hot weather, leading to a bitter taste. 2. Prepare the soil Location: Select a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Amend Soil: Mix in compost, chook manure and or blood n bone to enrich the soil and improve its nutrient content and moisture retention. 3. Plant the seeds Depth: Sow seeds about 8cm deep. Spacing: Plant seeds 15cm apart, with rows about 30cm inches apart, or use a "scatter" method for a dense "forest" effect. Cover and Water: Cover the seeds with soil and pat it down lightly, then water the area thoroughly. Protect: Use netting or hoops to protect the newly planted seeds from pests and to prevent them from being washed away by watering. 4. Care for the seedlings Keep Soil Moist: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin Seedlings: Thin the seedlings by cutting them at the base when they are young to give the remaining plants space to grow. Weed Control: Remove any weed seeds that sprout to prevent competition for resources. 5. Harvest Pick Leaves: Once the leaves reach full size, you can harvest them by snipping them at the base of the plant. Encourage Regrowth: Cutting outer leaves encourages the plant to produce more, providing a continuous supply of fresh spinach. Fertilise with Seasol or other high nitrogen liquid fertiliser