Garden Cress
Lepidium sativum
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 10cm |
5cm | Min | 1cm |
4 months to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Garden Cress Overview
Lepidium sativum is better known as Cress or Garden Cress. This plant is an edible annual herb that is closely related to watercress and mustard. Its peppery taste makes it a popular addition to salads, sandwiches and soups. The young shoots (sprouts) can be harvested after one or two weeks of sowing and are a good source of vitamins A, C and K.
Common problems with Garden Cress
Generally pest and disease-free.
How to harvest Garden Cress
Cut sprouts when they are 5cm tall or if growing in the ground at any time. The flowers and seeds are also edible.
How to propagate Garden Cress
Seed
Press seeds into containers lined with wet tissue/cotton wool and cover with a see through top. Ensure the growing medium is not waterlogged, but does not dry out. Seeds should appear within 1 to 7 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in spring once the soil has warmed up.
Special features of Garden Cress
Attractive flowers
Crop rotation
Indoor plant
Edibles to Sow Under Cover in November
Grow these on a sunny windowsill or heated propagator for winter picking.
Microgreens
Grow these leafy greens in your windowsill over the winter months for quick and tasty micro leaves.
