Overview
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. commonly known as Wavy Bittercress or Lamb's Cress is a plant species in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual or biennial herb that can be found in many parts of the world.
Origin
Wavy Bittercress is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, it has been widely naturalized in North and South America. It can be found in meadows, hedgerows, and disturbed areas like roadsides and gardens.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a basal rosette of rounded and slightly toothed leaves that are green and hairless. The stem is slender, erect, and branching with small leaves that are alternate and pinnate. The flowers have four white petals and are small, with a diameter of about 0.5 cm. They form loose clusters that extend from the stem and bloom from early spring to summer. The fruits are slender, green, and cylindrical, with long beaks that contain small, black seeds.
Uses
Wavy Bittercress is edible, and its young leaves are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. It has a slightly bitter taste, hence the name “Bittercress”. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections, coughs, and stomach ailments. It contains high levels of vitamin C and other essential nutrients, making it a valuable food source.
Light Requirements
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa prefers to grow in partially shaded areas with filtered sunlight. It cannot tolerate extreme direct sunlight and may experience leaf scorching if exposed to intense heat for an extended time. Therefore, during the summer months, planting them in shaded locations is essential. However, during the winter months, they can tolerate more direct sunlight as the sun is less intense.
Temperature Range
The ideal temperature range for Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 - 24 degrees Celsius). It cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold temperatures. Planting them in areas that stay within this range is essential.
Soil Requirements
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa thrives best in rich, moist, and well-draining soils. Loamy and sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH ranging between 6.0 and 6.5 are ideal. It is essential to maintain soil moisture levels, as the plant cannot tolerate drought conditions. Therefore, adding organic matter to the soil surface and using mulch can help retain moisture in the soil.
Cultivation methods
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The plant requires full or partial sunlight and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or by division. Seedlings should be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the expected last frost date in your area. The seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep in moist soil. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location after the last frost date.
Watering needs
The plant prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be overly wet. Water the plant deeply once a week or more frequently during hot and dry weather. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering, but never allowed to become completely dry.
Fertilization
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. benefits from regular fertilization with an all-purpose fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season every 4 to 6 weeks.
Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant. However, it can be beneficial to deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more blooms. Cut the spent blooms back to their base to encourage new blooms.
If the plant becomes too large or starts to look unkempt, it can be trimmed back after the growing season. Cut back the plant to 6 inches above the ground to encourage new growth the following year.
Propagation of Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl.
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. can be propagated by several methods. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. The propagation methods include:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. is through seed propagation. Gardeners can collect the seeds from mature plants and sow them in seed trays or directly into the soil. The seeds should be sowed in well-drained soil and kept moist by frequent watering. Germination typically begins within two to three weeks.
Cutting propagation
Another method of propagating Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. is through stem cutting. Gardeners should select healthy stems and cut them just below a node. The cutting should be placed in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. Gardeners should make sure to keep the soil moist and provide the cutting with plenty of light. New roots will begin growing within two to three weeks.
Division propagation
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa (With.) Forbes & Hemsl. can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing its roots into several smaller, individual plants. Each new plant should have healthy roots and leaves. Gardeners should plant the new divisions in soil that is well-draining and regularly water them to ensure proper growth.
Disease management
Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa is generally healthy and resilient. However, some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
Downy mildew
This is a fungal disease that is characterized by the growth of white or grayish patches on the leaves and stems of plants. It can be controlled by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Leaf spot
This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of plants. It is characterized by the appearance of brownish-black spots on the foliage. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves, keeping the plant clean, and applying fungicides.
Pest management
Some common pests that may affect Cardamine hirsuta L. ssp. flexuosa include:
Slugs and snails
These pests are often found feeding on the foliage of plants at night. They can be controlled by removing debris and other hiding places, placing copper barriers around the plants, and using baits and traps.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of plants. They can be controlled by washing the plant with soapy water, using beneficial insects to prey on them, and applying insecticides.
