Origin
Campe barbarea, also known as yellow rocket, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is a native of Europe and Asia, but has now naturalized in many parts of North America as well.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as yellow rocket, winter cress, upland cress, and American cress. It is also referred to as creasy greens in some regions of the United States.
Uses
Campe barbarea has been used for various purposes throughout history. The leaves of this plant have been eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable and are high in vitamins A and C. The plant has also been used as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments, including jaundice, coughs, and rheumatism. Additionally, the plant's seeds have been used to make mustard.
General Appearance
The plant has a rosette of dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 8 inches long. The leaves have a peppery taste and are edible. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefers moist, well-draining soils. The plant has a very distinctive appearance and is easily recognized by its long leaves and yellow flowers.
Light Requirements
Campe barbarea thrives under partially shaded conditions. It prefers to grow under the canopy cover of large trees and in areas with filtered sunlight. This plant species can tolerate full sunlight but may require more water in such conditions to avoid dehydration.
Temperature Requirements
Campe barbarea grows well in cool weather conditions. It can survive freezing temperatures and can continue to grow in the spring after snow melts. However, it can also tolerate warmer temperatures, between 18 - 20°C, during the growing season. This plant species is usually dormant during the hot summer months.
Soil Requirements
Campe barbarea prefers a moist, well-drained soil type with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows well in rich soils with high organic matter content. This plant species is capable of growing in a variety of soil textures including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam. However, it doesn't do well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Campe barbarea grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It requires at least six hours of full sun each day and prefers cooler temperatures below 85°F (29.4°C). This plant can be grown from seeds, which can be sown in the spring or fall. The seeds can be directly planted into the soil or started indoors.Watering Needs
Campe barbarea should be watered regularly, but not excessively. It is best to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Shallow watering can lead to shallow roots, making the plant more susceptible to drought stress. The best time to water is in the morning to allow for any excess moisture to evaporate throughout the day.Fertilization
This plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied at the beginning of the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used to provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.Pruning
Campe barbarea does not require regular pruning, but it can benefit from occasional pinching back to promote bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage additional blooms. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.Propagation of Campe barbarea (L.) W. Wight ex Piper
Campe barbarea (L.) W. Wight ex Piper, commonly known as upland cress, can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. The plant is easy to propagate and is vigorous, producing many new plants. Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and growers can choose the most suitable method according to their preference.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method and is suitable for large-scale propagation. The seeds of Campe barbarea can be directly sown in the field or started indoors in trays or pots. The seeds germinate quickly under the right conditions, usually within one to two weeks.
To germinate the seeds, maintain a temperature between 15-20°C and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings emerge, lower the temperature to 12°C to encourage strong growth. Seedlings grown in trays or pots can be transplanted to the field when they have two or three true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a fast and easy method to produce new upland cress plants. Take cuttings from the upper portion of the stem and remove the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, plant them in a rooting medium, and keep them moist. Campe barbarea cuttings will root quickly, usually within two weeks.
After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to the field or potted for later planting. This method is suitable for growers who want to produce more plants quickly and with less effort.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is the most common method used by gardeners. It is a simple method that involves dividing the clump into smaller sections. The best time to divide Campe barbarea is in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into several small sections and ensure each section has some roots intact. Plant the sections in a well-prepared soil and keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Division is suitable for maintaining the vigor of the plants and rejuvenating old or overcrowded plants.
Overall, Campe barbarea is a plant that is easy to propagate using seeds, cuttings, or division. Most growers prefer propagation by seeds due to its ease and cost-effectiveness. Regardless of the method used, ensure that the plants have a well-prepared soil and receive adequate water and nutrients for optimal growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Campe barbarea (L.) W. Wight ex Piper
Campe barbarea (L.) W. Wight ex Piper, also known as American wintercress, is a cool-weather biennial plant that has been used as a medicinal and culinary herb for centuries. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. To keep your crop healthy and productive, disease and pest management should be an essential part of your gardening routine.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Campe barbarea is downy mildew, caused by the fungus Peronospora parasitica. Signs of downy mildew include yellowing of leaves, blotches on leaves, and white or gray fuzz on leaf undersides. Another disease that can attack Campe barbarea is black rot, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Symptoms of black rot include black or brown spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, along with wilting and stunted growth.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Campe barbarea, including flea beetles, aphids, and cutworms. Flea beetles are tiny, black or brown beetles that jump like fleas when disturbed. They cause small holes in leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced growth. Aphids, on the other hand, are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from plant tissues, causing distortions and stunted growth. Cutworms are night-flying moths whose larvae feed on young plant stems at ground level, causing wilting and death of the plant.
Disease Management
To control downy mildew, avoid planting Campe barbarea in areas with poor air circulation and high humidity. Remove infected plant debris from the garden and avoid overhead watering. To prevent black rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Use disease-resistant cultivars if available and rotate crops to prevent buildup of pathogens in the soil.
Pest Control
To control flea beetles, use row covers or insecticidal sprays made from neem oil, pyrethrins, or spinosad. You can also manually pick the beetles off the plant and drop them in soapy water. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap sprays or release natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. To control cutworms, place collars made of cardboard or aluminum foil around the base of the plant, or use bait traps containing bran and molasses.
By practicing good disease and pest management, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest of Campe barbarea.
