Field Penny Cress (Thlaspi arvense) Pennycress Medicinal Decorative Dried Florist Wildflower
Cress Field Penny Cress (Thlaspi arvense) Pennycress Medicinal Wildflower
Annual
Full Sun
Height up to 30 in
Pennycress is highly decorative and used by florists with flair! Pennycress seeds are best sown directly outdoors and can be direct seeded in the fall to bloom and make seed heads in late spring; those that germinate in the fall will produce a rosette of leaves up to 6 in across at the start and will overwinter then resume growth in the spring.
Seeds may also germinate in the spring or summer, but these generally do not form a rosette, and develop only blooming stems that hold distinctive ornamental seed pods that are highly decorative. Pennycress produces white flowers with 4 petals arranged in a cross shape about 1/8 in across when open. These tiny flowers are followed by distinctive and flattened oval seed pods up to 1/2 inch long with 2 cells containing 3-8 seeds giving the stem a bottle brush appearance and make great ornamental accents in fresh and dried flower arrangements. Leaves are lance shaped and coarsely toothed about 2-4 in long. Each plant up to 15,000 seeds that remain viable in the soil for up to 20 years under ideal conditions. Can be invasive but easily controlled by hand pulling unwanted seedlings.
Stratification (Cold Treatment)
-Pennycress does not strictly require stratification, but cold exposure improves and evens germination.
Natural Method (Best)
-Sow outdoors in late autumn or early winter
-Seeds overwinter naturally and germinate in spring
Artificial Stratification (Optional) If sowing in spring:
-Mix seeds with slightly moist sand or vermiculite, place in a sealed bag. Refrigerate at 1–5°C (34–41°F) Duration: 2–4 weeks
Sowing and when to Sow
-Autumn: Ideal (natural stratification)
-Early spring: As soon as soil is workable
How to Sow
- Scatter seeds on soil surface
- Lightly press in or cover with no more than 3 mm (⅛ inch) of soil
- Keep moist until germination
Germination
- Time: 5–14 days
- Temperature: 10–20°C (50–68°F)
Growing Conditions
Soil:
- Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- Tolerates poor and compacted soils
- pH: 6.0–7.5
Water
- Low water needs
- Drought tolerant once established
- Avoid waterlogged soil
Spacing
- Thin to 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) apart
Growth & Care
- Fast-growing annual (60–90 days to maturity)
- Requires no fertilization
- Extremely hardy and self-seeding
- Can become weedy if not managed
Flowering & Seed
- Flowers: Small white, early spring
- Seeds mature quickly in flat round pods
- Self-sows readily for future seasons
Harvest (Medicinal Use)
Aerial Parts
- Harvest just before flowering for strongest medicine Seeds
- Collect when pods turn brown and dry
- Traditionally used in:
- Digestive remedies
- Diuretics
- Respiratory blends
- Liver support
- Seed count: 30