Stinking cress
Lepidium ruderale · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant stinking cress: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely divided pinnate leaves
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates frost well
- Origin
- Central and Mediterranean Europe
- Soil type
- Poor, well-drained soils, tolerates degraded terrain
Care
Light exposure
Shepherd's purse prefers bright, sunny locations. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Place it in a south or southwest-facing spot for best vigor.
Soil preparation
This herbaceous plant appreciates poor, gravelly, and well-drained soils. It establishes easily on degraded terrain, wastelands, or rocky terraces. Avoid water accumulation which could promote rot.
Watering
Water moderately after planting to ensure root establishment. Once established, shepherd's purse is very drought-tolerant. Water sparingly and reduce further during dry season.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. This plant thrives in poor soils. Excess nutrients would promote excessive vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and deadheading
Remove dried leaves and faded flowers as needed to encourage better branching. Prune lightly in spring to stimulate growth. Remove dead stems after winter.
Diseases and pests
Shepherd's purse is a very resistant plant, rarely troubled by pests. Monitor excessive moisture which could favor fungal diseases. If problems occur, adequate aeration and better drainage are usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Shepherd's purse is a classic ruderal plant, characteristic of abandoned land and urban wastelands. Its French name 'rudéral' comes from the Latin 'rudus' (rubble), as it naturally colonizes degraded areas. Historically used as a companion plant or ecological indicator, it testifies to landscape evolution and botanical resilience.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.