Garlic Cress
Peltaria alliacea
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Pl. 631F — Peltaria alliacea
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IOverview
Overview
Garlic Cress (Peltaria alliacea) is a perennial plant native to Albania, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia. This member of the Brassicaceae family thrives in moist, light soil and prefers full or partial sun. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, it can be found growing wild in habitats across its native range. One distinctive feature of garlic cress is its strong, garlicky aroma, which sets it apart from other members of the Brassicaceae family. Its hardiness spans zones 5-9, making it suitable for gardens in temperate climates.
Quick answers
What is Garlic Cress?
Garlic Cress (Peltaria alliacea) is a perennial plant native to Albania, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia. This member of the Brassicaceae family thrives in moist, light soil and prefers full or partial sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Garlic Cress thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching up to 0.3 meters in height. For cultivation, ensure the plant has adequate moisture while maintaining well-drained conditions. Propagate through seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts include both flowers and leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Garlic Cress for the first time
8steps
Garlic Cress is a simple perennial to grow, perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 15 cm apart. Transplant small plants if you prefer.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to avoid burning young leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune flowers as they appear to encourage leaf growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade during hot weather.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Garlic Cress is eaten for its leaves and flowers. The leaves are typically used fresh in salads or as a garnish, while the flowers can be added to salads or used in teas. Both parts are enjoyed raw due to their pungent flavor.
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native· 1 introduced
Europe4 regions
native (4)AlbaniaAustriaHungaryRomania
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 631f6022-9190-451f-a11f-31668885a7d4
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