Small-Flowered Wintercress

Small-Flowered Wintercress should be watered when the soil has become dry to the touch. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not wet. This species of plant prefers consistently moist soil, so water every couple of days during the spring and summer growth periods. During the late summer and fall, reduce watering to allow the soil to slightly dry out before re-watering. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so be sure to monitor the soil moisture.

Small-Flowered Wintercress (Barbarea stricta) should have full sunlight for 8–10 hours per day. In order for the plant to thrive, it should be placed in an area with direct sun during the morning and early afternoon. In areas with limited sunlight, 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight should still be sufficient. Sunlight intensity may also need to be adjusted depending on the month—over winter, the plant will require slightly less light and vice versa over summer. This will depend on the climate and location of the planting.

Small-Flowered Wintercress (Barbarea stricta) should be pruned in early spring. Prune after the danger of frost has passed and before any new growth. Prune away dead, diseased, and damaged stems. Cut back the stems that are crossing or overcrowding the plant to promote air circulation and reduce pest and disease problems. Prune back the stems significantly, but avoid removing more than 1-third of the stems in any 1 pruning session. Regular pruning encourages prolific flowering and helps to keep the plant in its desired shape and size.