Variegated Winter Cress Seeds

Grow winter cress to add a nutritious and flavorful peppery green to your diet during the cool months, providing a source of vitamins A and C, especially when other greens are unavailable. It is also an easy-to-grow, hardy plant suitable for wild gardens and attracts pollinators and birds, serving as a valuable edible resource for both humans and wildlife.

Useful gardening information

Sow seeds in good quality compost or seed raising mix at any time . Lightly cover with fine river sand or compost to their own depth. Seeds are best sown in winter early spring to benefit from cold dormancy.
If seeds do not come up within 6 to 12 weeks the damp seed tray can be put in a plastic bag and given cold treatment in the fridge at 40 degrees for four weeks. They still may take many months to appear, so please do not discard.

SF160 Winter Cream ( Barbarea vulgaris variegata )

Winter Cream is a striking variegated form of Winter Cress, prized for its attractive cream-and-green foliage, cold hardiness, and usefulness as an edible ornamental. This unique plant combines the beauty of a decorative perennial with the practicality of a leafy green, making it an excellent choice for containers, herb gardens, edible landscapes, and mixed ornamental plantings.

The boldly variegated leaves provide year-round visual interest in mild climates and create a beautiful contrast when combined with darker green herbs and vegetables. In spring, plants produce clusters of cheerful yellow flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Easy to grow and exceptionally hardy, Winter Cream offers gardeners beauty and productivity through much of the year.

Uses

Attractive cream-and-green foliage for ornamental containers and borders.
Young leaves may be used fresh in salads and mixed greens.
Excellent addition to edible landscapes and kitchen gardens.
Provides color and texture throughout cool seasons.
Flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators.
Suitable for container gardening and small-space gardens.

Growing in Containers

Winter Cream grows exceptionally well in containers. Choose a pot at least 10–12 inches wide with good drainage and fill it with a rich, well-draining potting mix.

Place containers in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade can help maintain the brightest variegation. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Because of its cold tolerance, Winter Cream can continue providing attractive foliage long after many other herbs and greens have faded for the season.

Germination Instructions

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix.
Maintain temperatures of 55–70°F (13–21°C).
Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
Seeds typically germinate in 7–14 days.
Provide bright light after seedlings emerge.
Transplant when seedlings develop several true leaves.

Growing Information

Botanical Name: Barbarea vulgaris variegata
Common Name: Winter Cream
Plant Type: Hardy Perennial / Edible Ornamental
Height: 12–24 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
USDA Zones: 4–9
Container Size: 10–12 inches minimum diameter

Harvesting

Young leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh in salads or cooked as greens. The tender foliage has a mildly peppery flavor that is most pleasant when harvested young.

Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth and helps maintain an attractive, compact plant.

Why Grow Winter Cream?

Winter Cream is a rare combination of ornamental beauty and edible usefulness. Its striking variegated foliage brightens containers and garden beds, while its cold hardiness provides interest long after many plants have gone dormant. Easy to grow, attractive throughout the season, and adaptable to container culture, Winter Cream is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something both beautiful and practical.

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.