American Cress, (Barbarea precox).

Soil And Situation

For the winter standing crops, a light, dry soil, in an open but warm situation, should be allotted to it; and for the summer, a rather moister and shady border is to be preferred. In neither instance is it required to be rich.

Time And Mode Of Sowing

It is propagated by seed, which must be sown every six weeks from March to August for summer and autumn, but only one sowing is necessary either at the end of August or beginning of September, for a supply during winter and spring. It may be sown broadcast, but the most preferable mode is in drills nine inches apart. Water may be given occasionally during dry weather, both before and after the appearance of the plants. If raised from broadcast sowings, the plants are thinned to six inches apart: if in drills, only to three. In winter they require the shelter of a little litter, or other light covering; and to prevent them being injured by its pressure, some twigs may be bent over the bed, or some light bushy branches laid among them, which will support it. The only cultivation they require is to be kept clear of weeds.

In gathering, the outside leaves only should be stripped off, which enables successive crops to become rapidly fit for use.

When the plants begin to run, their centres must be cut away, which causes them to shoot afresh.

To Obtain Seed

For the production of seed, a few of the strongest plants, raised from the first spring sowing, arc left ungathered from. They flower in June or July, and perfect their seed before the commencement of autumn.