Overview
- Name: Garden Cress
- Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum
- Plant Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Native to: Persia, and later spread to India, Syria, Greece and Egypt. Now widely grown globally, especially in Europe and North America.
Description
Garden cress is a herbaceous annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, closely related to watercress and mustard, sharing a similar peppery, tangy flavor profile. The plant typically reaches a height of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) and has an upright, branching growth habit. Its stems are slender and smooth, supporting small, light green leaves that are variable in shape; they can be narrow and oval, lobed, or curly with ruffled edges. The leaves are generally 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) in length and are most flavorful and tender when harvested young.
As garden cress matures, it produces tiny, white or pale pink flowers around 2 mm (1/12 in) in diameter that appear in clusters at the tips of the stems. These flowers are typical of the brassica family, with four petals arranged in a cross shape. Following flowering, garden cress develops oblong seed pods, known as siliques, which measure about 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 inches) long. Each pod contains several tiny, reddish-brown to light brown seeds that can be harvested for propagation or culinary use.
Garden cress can be grown outdoors in early spring and autumn or year-round indoors with adequate light and moisture. It is often grown as a microgreen due to its rapid germination and can also be grown on a windowsill or in containers.
Garden cress is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, valued not only for its spicy kick but also for its rich nutritional benefits. This makes it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Interesting Facts
- Garden cress is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing essential nutrients that support overall health. It also contains important minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium, along with folate and dietary fiber, making it a nutrient-dense addition to any diet.
- Garden cress seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, which reduce inflammation by modulating the body’s response. High levels of flavonoids and alkaloids further enhance their ability to inhibit inflammatory pathways, making them effective in traditional medicine for treating respiratory and digestive issues.
- Sprouted garden cress seeds offer a concentrated source of nutrients, providing higher levels of vitamins and minerals compared to the leaves, and can be easily added to dishes for a nutritional boost.
- Garden cress is also popular in educational projects for children to observe and learn about the stages of plant growth and development.
Basic Growing Information
Garden cress is a cool-season crop that grows in temperatures ranging from 5°-25°C (41-77°F), with the optimal growing temperature being around 10–20°C (50–68°F). At high temperatures around 25-27°C (77-80°F) and above, garden cress is very likely to bolt.
Garden cress prefers cool, moist conditions and does not tolerate extreme heat or drought well. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions. When grown outdoors, it is best planted in early spring or autumn to avoid the hottest part of the year. Indoors, garden cress can be grown in containers or trays with consistent moisture and light.
Garden cress performs best if soil remains consistently moist. Drought stress during growth will greatly reduce yield.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers part shade during hot summer weather.
- Water Requirements: Moderate to high, with regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Soil Types and Properties: Prefers moist, fertile soil that is well-draining with high organic matter. Garden cress also grows well in soilless media such as seed-starting mix or even on damp paper towels when sprouted for microgreens.
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
- Pot Size for Container Growing: Shallow trays or pots are suitable as garden cress does not require deep soil
Planting
- Best Time to Plant:
- Climates with freezing winters: Sow seeds indoors year-round or outdoors in spring after the last frost and in autumn before the first frost.
- Climates with milder winters: Can be grown outdoors throughout the year if temperatures do not get too high.
Note: Check gardening calendars for the best planting times in your location
- Spacing: Sow seeds thinly across the surface of the soil, as garden cress does not need much space.
- Seed Sowing Method: Direct sow on the surface of the soil and keep moist; do not cover as light aids germination.
- Seed Sowing Depth: Sprinkle seeds lightly on the soil surface.
- Time to Harvest: Ready to harvest in 2-3 weeks when planted from seed
- Mature Height/Spread: Typically grows 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in height
- Grown From: Seeds
The optimum temperature for seed germination is 13-24°C (55-75°F). Seedlings emerge in 2-7 days. In early spring when soils are cold, around 7°C (~45°F), germination may take two weeks.
How to Grow Garden Cress Indoors
Growing garden cress indoors is simple and convenient. Start by choosing a shallow tray and filling it with a growing medium, such as seed-raising mix, moist cotton wool, or paper towels. Moisten the medium before evenly scattering the seeds over the surface. Gently press the seeds into the medium without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
To maintain moisture, you can cover the tray with a clear plastic lid or a sheet of moist paper until the seeds sprout, usually within 2-3 days. Once seedlings appear, move the tray to a bright spot, like a sunny windowsill or under grow lights, ensuring they receive 6-8 hours of light daily.
To maintain the necessary moisture, you can cover the tray with a clear plastic lid or a moist paper towel until the seeds sprout, usually within 2-3 days. Once seedlings appear, place the tray in a bright location, like a sunny windowsill or under grow lights, ensuring they receive 6-8 hours of light daily.
For a continuous supply, sow new seeds every 1-2 weeks. This method provides a steady supply of fresh, peppery greens that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering Tips: Garden cress grows best if soil remains very moist and should never be allowed to dry out. If planting in containers, make sure to water them every few days to keep the soil moist.
- Fertilization: Has very low fertilizer requirements due to the short growing time for the plants. For container grown plants, fertilize periodically with a soluble liquid fertilizer. Can benefit from a light application of a liquid organic fertilizer if grown in poorer soils.
- Pruning: Not required. Harvest by cutting leaves as needed.
- Support: Not required.
Growing Difficulty
- Very easy, perfect for beginners and those looking for quick results.
Growing Tips
- Regular harvesting encourages new growth, keeping the plants productive and extending the harvesting period.
- If grown in very hot climates, provide some shade to prevent the plants from bolting (flowering prematurely).
What Conditions Cause Garden Cress to Bolt?
Garden cress bolts, or flowers prematurely, when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 24°C (75°F), during drought conditions or inconsistent watering, or when planted in the wrong time of year, for example, sowing too late in spring or too early in summer when temperatures are rising. Additionally, garden cress is photoperiodic, meaning it responds to the length of daylight, with longer days (over 14 hours) triggering accelerated bolting so the plant can complete its life cycle during the optimal growing season.
Companion Plants
- Good companion plants include: Most herbs and leafy greens. Garden cress is particularly beneficial when grown near radishes and tomatoes.
- Avoid planting near: As garden cress is harvested quickly and grown in cool conditions, it does not typically interfere negatively with other plants.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Pests: Aphids are the most common pest.
- Prevention and Control Methods: Wash off with water or use insecticidal soap. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs in the garden can help.
- Diseases: Downy mildew can occasionally be a problem.
- Prevention and Control Methods: Ensure good air circulation and do not overwater.
Harvesting
Harvest Time: The best time to harvest garden cress is typically when the plants are young, about 1-2 weeks after germination or when they reach 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in height. At this stage, the leaves are tender and have the best flavor.
Harvesting Tips:
- Cut the stems about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the soil level using clean, sharp scissors or shears. This method encourages the plants to regrow, allowing for multiple harvests from the same planting. Be sure to harvest regularly to maintain the best flavor and texture.
- For continuous harvest, garden cress can be cut multiple times before the plants begin to bolt (produce seed stalks).
- The entire plant can also be harvested by pulling it out of the soil. This is often done when the plants start to flower.
Storage: After harvesting, wash cress thoroughly and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best used fresh but can be kept for a few days if properly stored.
Propagation
- Propagated by seed. Garden cress can be sown successively every few weeks for a continuous supply. To save seeds for future planting, let some plants flower and go to seed. Wait until the seed pods turn brown before harvesting them. Seeds can be saved for 5 years.
Culinary Uses
- Garden cress leaves bring a distinct peppery flavor to a variety of dishes, making them a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, and soups. They can be used fresh to add a spicy kick to these dishes or as a garnish to enhance flavor and presentation. Additionally, garden cress leaves can be blended into smoothies or juiced for a nutritional boost, providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves are also a great addition to egg dishes, such as omelets or frittatas, and can be mixed into spreads or dips for extra flavor.
In conclusion, garden cress is an ideal crop for those seeking a regular supply of fresh greens. Its quick maturation and nutritional content make it a valuable addition to any kitchen garden or windowsill.
References
- Utah State University. (2023, December 14). How to grow garden cress in your garden. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/garden-cress-in-the-garden
- CRESS | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation. (n.d.). https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/cress/infos
- Allan, B., Drost, D., & Utah State University. (2020). Garden Cress in the garden. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1256&context=extension_curall
- Explore Cornell – Home Gardening – Vegetable Growing Guides – Growing Guide. (n.d.). http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene3673.html
- Andersen, C. R. & University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating. (1995). Home Gardening Series: Garden Cress. In Agriculture and Natural Resources [Home Gardening Series]. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Printing Services. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/FSA-6084.pdf