Kitaibel's Bitter-cress (Cardamine kitaibelii)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. This species was seen growing and thriving in well-drained soil in a lightly shaded position at Kew[K].
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting them out when dormant in late summer. Division in early spring or after the plant dies down in the summer. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
Leaves - raw or cooked[K]. A mild cabbage flavour with a hint of cress[K]. Flowers - raw[K]. A mild cabbage flavour with a hint of cress[K].
Habitat
Not known
Native range
Europe - southern Switzerland, northern Italy and Yugoslavia.