With fragrant clouds of flowers, goose cress covers the sunny rock garden, adorns the dry stone wall or the edge of the path. In order for the white, pink or red flower mats to spread out in a compact and densely interwoven manner, manageable care is required. The following answers to frequently asked questions show the way through the uncomplicated cultivation.
Planting goose cress correctly
We recommend planting in early autumn so that the charming goose cress shows the floral power it has in its first season. Make several planting holes at a distance of 20-30 cm in a sunny location, as the perennials come into their own in small groups. Enrich the excavation with bark humus, compost and horn shavings. Put a potted plant in each pit so deep that the substrate just reaches the lower pair of leaves. On the day of planting and in the period that follows, a plentiful water supply contributes to rapid rooting.
care tips
The goose cress requires little maintenance from the gardener. The nutrient supply in the bed is limited to an initial fertilization with compost and horn shavings at the end of April/beginning of May. In the tub and flower box
fertilize in April and May every 4 weeks with a common liquid preparation. Since the perennial achieves its optimum in fresh, moist soil, it should not be thirsty. Always water goose cress when the soil has dried out. When the first blooms run out of breath, cut back the faded flower stalks to the tuft of leaves to encourage rebloom. The wintergreen or evergreen foliage adorns the otherwise drab garden during the cold season, only to be cut off close to the ground in January or February. Significant winter protection is not required for the frost-resistant perennial. We only recommend taking adequate precautions in the year of planting, in rough locations and in the planter.Continue reading
Which location is suitable?
Not so easy to find flowering perennials in full sun. This is where the sun-loving goose cress comes in handy. Even blazing sunshine doesn't cause any problems for its abundance of flowers, as long as the soil is fresh, moist, humus-rich and well-drained. The high lime tolerance qualifies the spring bloomer as an ideal candidate for roof gardens, stone structures, rock steps and sunny grave sites.
What soil does the plant need?
The goose cress makes no capricious demands on the soil. It tirelessly thrives in normal garden soil that is humus-rich, fresh-moist and well-drained. An increased lime content in the soil is not only tolerated, but rewarded with vital growth. If the spring-fresh carpets of flowers thrive in a bucket or balcony box, common ones will suffice potting soil fully.
When is flowering time?
The central flowering period of goose cress extends over the months of April and May. However, some species do not think about following this requirement and bloom as early as March or decorate the garden in autumn. For example, the Caucasian goose cress and the Alpine goose cress open the flower dance in early spring. The blue goose cress gives way to its fellows to put on their flowers from July to September. Therefore, when purchasing the plant, ask carefully if you have a clearly defined flowering time in store.
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Cut the goose cress properly
The cut-compatible goose cress can be cut into shape with scissors at any time. After the first flowering period, cut off the withered flower stalks down to the basal tuft of leaves. With a little luck, a second flowering will thrive in late summer. These, in turn, only cut down to the leaves, because the evergreen or evergreen foliage creates pleasant eye-catchers in the winter garden.
The double-flowered varieties in particular are tempting to cut in vases. To do this, select the shoots with the first buds that have just opened.
Water the goose cress
Since goose cress evaporates a lot of moisture due to its lush biomass, the normal rainfall is usually not sufficient for the water supply. Therefore, always water the bed and planter when the surface of the substrate has dried. To do this, press a finger into the ground. If the top 2 cm feel dry, water is needed.
Fertilize the goose cress properly
In nutrient-rich garden soil, organic start-up fertilization at the end of March/beginning of April with compost, bark humus, horn shavings or guano. Where the dainty cruciferous plant has developed dense cushions, working in solid fertilizer with a rake could do damage. In this case we recommend for the nutrient supply in the bed plant manure, such as nettle or comfrey manure. Cultivated in balcony boxes or tubs, goose cress receives a dose of liquid fertilizer in April and May.
hibernate
All goose cress species that have conquered our gardeners' hearts are completely hardy. Explicit protection is therefore not required. Only in very rough locations and in the planter should precautions be taken against frosty temperatures and permanent winter wetness. A layer of leaves or brushwood is sufficient in the bed. Pots and balcony boxes are wrapped in bubble wrap and placed on wood. Water the perennial during winter drought on mild days, especially when frost dominates the weather.
multiply goose cress
Has goose cress completely won you over with its many advantages? Then this little spring beauty can be propagated in the following way:
- Division of the root ball in spring or autumn
- cut cuttings during the flowering period
- sowing the seed directly into the bed in May
How do I plant correctly?
Transplanting and rejuvenation go hand in hand with goose cress. If after a few years the willingness to flower leaves something to be desired while the perennial is bare from the inside, proceed as follows:
- Dig up the root ball in spring or fall
- Place on a firm surface to cut the plant with the knife or spade to split
- Cut out dead spots and rotten roots
Finally, plant each segment in the new location, maintaining the previous planting depth.
Is goose cress edible?
Goose cress is a feast for the senses that also tickles our taste buds. The distinctive blossoms decorate cold and warm dishes, giving them that final whistle with their fresh, spicy taste. In addition, the green leaves are suitable for consumption. Harvested shortly before flowering, they contain plenty of vitamin C, taste piquant and round off salads or soups aromatically.
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Beautiful varieties
- Plena: Enchantingly beautiful with white, lavishly double flowers and up to 25 cm long flower tendrils
- Hedi: Makes dense, pink-colored flower mats above evergreen foliage; the ideal ground cover
- Spring magic: This variety adorns the rock garden with beautiful crimson carpets of flowers
- Variegata: The variety creates a painterly look with white flowers and green-white variegated leaves
- Goose cress Suendermannii: A compact dwarf variety, excellent for bordering beds and paths
