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Cardamine hirsuta
hairy bittercress
Cardamine hirsuta
Cardamine hirsuta, commonly known as Hairy Bittercress, is a small, self-seeding annual plant native to Europe and Asia, but now found worldwide. It's characterized by its rosette of basal leaves and erect stems with small white flowers followed by siliques that explosively release seeds. It is often considered a weed but is also edible.
CategoryDetails
Culinary UsageEdible plant
Medicinal UsageMedicinal Usage
Duration to maturity45 days to harvest
Estimated Plant Lifespan1 month lifespan
Sun Requirements2-4 hours direct sunlight (Partial Shade)
Pollination

Method: self pollination

Watering Requirements

Method: top water

Frequency: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination and early growth.

Notes: Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Humidity Requirements

Level: Moderate

Cleaning RequirementsRemove spent flower stalks to encourage continued leaf production. Control its spread if you don't want it to become too abundant.
Temperature Range

Min: 5°C

Max: 25°C

Alternative Namesshotweed, Flickweed, Cardamine hirsuta hirsuta, Crucifera cardamine, Ghinia hirsuta
Fragaria vesca
woodland strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Wild strawberries can act as a ground cover, helping to suppress other weeds that might compete with Cardamine hirsuta while coexisting well in similar soil conditions. The presence of strawberries may also deter certain pests that affect Cardamine hirsuta.
Poa annua
Annual Meadow-grass
Poa annua

Annual Meadow Grass competes for the same resources (nutrients, water, sunlight) as Cardamine hirsuta, often outcompeting it due to its aggressive growth habit.

Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest Cardamine hirsuta. They cause distorted growth, yellowing leaves, and can transmit viruses.

Flea Beetles

Flea beetles can create small, round holes in the leaves of Cardamine hirsuta, weakening the plant. Heavy infestations can stunt growth or even kill young plants.

Steps:

    • Collect seeds from mature plants. The seed pods will burst open when ripe, so collect them just before they do.
    • Sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring or late fall.
    • Lightly cover the seeds with soil.
    • Keep the soil moist until germination.
    • Thin seedlings if necessary to prevent overcrowding.

Neem Oil

Effective against aphids and other common pests.

Diatomaceous Earth

Can control flea beetles and other soil-dwelling pests.