How to Grow Garden Cress
Lepidium sativum
Garden cress is the ultimate beginner crop — sow thickly on moist soil or kitchen paper and harvest in 10-14 days. It grows almost anywhere, any time of year, and needs nothing but moisture. Outdoors, sow from March to September in any spare patch. The peppery, mustard-like leaves are perfect for sandwiches, salads, and garnishes. Sow a new batch every week or two for non-stop supply.
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
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.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 5–25°C
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- Direct sow
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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.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Flea Beetle
Identification: Tiny round holes peppered across leaves, small shiny jumping beetles
- Fine mesh netting
- Keep soil moist (beetles prefer dry conditions)
- Grow under fleece
- 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 temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 5–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long 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.
