Lepidium oleraceum

Description

Lepidium oleraceum is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour, they can be added to salads or used as a pot-herb. High in vitamin C.

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin CNone known

Distribution

New Zealand.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and are not sure if it will be hardy in Britain, though one report says that it has been cultivated for its edible leaves in Britain. Assuming it is hardy, then it is likely to be very easily grown and will succeed in most soils in full sun or light shade.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

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