Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a fast-growing, edible herb plant which is related to watercress and mustard and sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. In some regions garden cress is known as garden pepper cress, pepper grass or pepperwort. It is a biennial plant, and most typically used as a salad herb or as a leaf vegetable. Its leaves develop a hotter flavor as the plant matures.
Culinary Uses
- Used in sandwiches such as egg and cress sandwiches.
- Cress is best added fresh to recipes and works well with egg dishes, salads and sandwiches.
- The sprouts are often used as a garnish or for juicing.
Growing Garden Cress
Indoor Sowing: Year Round.
Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.
- It grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil or well-rotted compost.
- Can be grown full sun or partial shade.
- Plants must be kept moist during dry periods.
- Sow seed in the garden early in spring, as early as 4 or 6 before the last frost, or grow indoors year-round.
- Plant cress 0.6 cm deep. Sow seeds thickly and cover lightly.
- Seeds will germinate in about 14 days at 7°C.
- Thin the seedlings, leaving about 10 cm between the plants.
- It will be ready for harvest 15 to 20 days after sowing.
- Sow cress every 10 days for a continuous harvest through midsummer.
- Plant cress in late summer for an autumn and winter harvest.
Disclaimer
Medicinal Information:
All medicinal information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.
Seeds, Plants, Plant Cuttings, Geophytes and Dried Herbs:
In some countries and provinces, certain plants are deemed as invasive and are not allowed to be planted at all, whilst some plants are allowed to be grown only in certain areas or provinces. The onus is on you as the buyer to familiarize yourself with the regulations pertaining to your location, before purchasing any of our seeds, plants, plant cuttings, geophytes or dried herbs. We will not be held liable, should you purchase any seeds, plants, plant cuttings, geophytes or dried herbs. from us which are prohibited in your country or province.