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How to Grow Garden Cress

Lepidium sativum

Hardy Cool Season Single Harvest

When to Start

Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.

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Growth Stages

Sow seeds
Germination ~3d
Harvest ~14d

Approximate days from start

Care Essentials

  • Never needed. Garden cress grows so fast it requires no feeding. The soil's existing nutrients are more than sufficient.
  • One of the fastest crops you can grow — ready in under two weeks. Can be grown year-round on a windowsill, or outdoors from early spring. Sow every 1-2 weeks for continuous supply.

Companion Planting

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Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 5°C+
Germination temperature: 5–25°C

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Spacing & Planting

Plant spacing 5 cm
Row spacing 15 cm
Sow depth 0.5 cm
Mature height 15 cm
Mature spread 10 cm

Broadcast-sow thickly for microgreens or space at 5 cm for larger plants. Very fast-growing.

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Care Guide

Feeding
Never needed. Garden cress grows so fast it requires no feeding. The soil's existing nutrients are more than sufficient.
Watch for
  • Flea beetle (tiny holes in leaves)
  • Bolting in hot weather
  • Slugs on outdoor sowings

Pests & Diseases

Pest Flea Beetle

Identification: Tiny round holes peppered across leaves, small shiny jumping beetles

Organic treatment:
  • Fine mesh netting
  • Keep soil moist (beetles prefer dry conditions)
  • Grow under fleece
Chemical treatment:
  • Pyrethrin spray if severe
Disease Damping Off Pythium spp.

Symptoms: Seedlings collapse at soil level, thin watery stems

Treatment: Remove affected seedlings. Improve air circulation.

Prevention: Sow thinly. Use clean containers. Do not overwater. Ensure ventilation.

Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature5°C
Germination temperature5–25°C
Base growth temperature4°C
Min. daylength to start8h
Photoperiod sensitivitylong day

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Garden Cress?
Plant Garden Cress 5cm apart with 15cm between rows.
When can I harvest Garden Cress?
Garden Cress is ready to harvest approximately 0 days after transplanting.
Is Garden Cress frost hardy?
Garden Cress is classified as Hardy.

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