Succeeds in sun or shade in a moist well-drained soil, growing well on a north facing wall. The summer crop is best if it is given some shade whilst the winter crop succeeds in sunny positions. Land cress is often cultivated as a salad plant, when it is usually treated as an annual. It can supply leaves all year round from successional sowings. In hot weather plants soon run to seed unless they are kept shaded and moist. The leaves taste much hotter in the summer. Plants usually self-sow freely when growing in a suitable position.

Young leaves - raw, cooked or used as a seasoning. A hot, spicy watercress flavor, they are delicious in salads. Leaves can be obtained throughout the year if autumn-sown plants are given a light protection in winter. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads etc.

Seed - sow spring to September in situ at 3-weekly intervals to provide a succession of leaves. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks.

Waste and cultivated ground.