Garden cress varieties: a very limited choice

There is not a large variety of garden cress to be found.Similar representatives of other plant genera offer more variation.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) does not have to be able to do much: be spicy and germinate evenly and quickly. The multitude of useful ingredients is usually left out when choosing the variety. In addition, the intensive cultivation of the garden cress is not very lucrative for the breeding companies. Therefore, the number of different types of garden cress on the market is more than limited. If you do not want to forego a certain variety, you can use other herbs, which are also known as "cress". In the following, we therefore present you with a brief portrait of the three most famous cress representatives.

• Garden cress (Lepidium sativum): In this species, the tender, spicy cotyledons are of particular interest. It is characterized by rapid germination and easy year-round cultivation on the window sill.
• Watercress (Nasturtium officinale): This water-loving herb that grows all year round has a variety of leaf color ready for lovers. The color palette ranges from a lush green to dark red. It also impresses with its characteristic flavor - after all, it is also related to the spicy rocket.
• Nasturtiums(Tropaeolum): The shining flowers of the nasturtium are real eye-catchers - and also edible. The leaves can also find their way onto the plate without worrying. Freshly harvested, they are also reminiscent of the classic garden cress with their pleasant heat. The nasturtium family's own genus of plants contains a wide variety of growth forms, flower colors and shapes.

For more details as well as tips and tricks on growing the individual cress species, see the detailed Wanted posters.

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