Garden cress: sow, grow and harvest yourself

Growing garden cress is not magic. Its spicy aroma and valuable ingredients will certainly enchant many a hobby gardener.

The garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is probably the perfect plant to crown the entry into gardening with success. That of the cruciferous family (Brasicaceae) related growth is in cultivation namely so easy to handle that it can be grown almost anywhere and anytime. the Cress Art, which probably has its origins in Asia, enjoys its popularity due to its mildly hot spiciness. The short form of cress is also derived from the Old German "cresso" - hot. Charlemagne once ordered its cultivation and cress seeds were found as burial objects in tombs from ancient Egypt. Despite the astonishingly unpretentiousness of cress, there are a few things to consider when growing this herb with the harvest complete successfully.

Cultivation of garden cress

The annual garden herb is propagated by sowing. If the garden cress is to be sown outdoors, a sunny location is beneficial. But the cruciferous plant is also satisfied with a shady spot - then it only takes a few days longer until it can be harvested. Sowing can be done at will. The cress does not care whether it is sown in a row or close together in broad sowing. However, sowing should not take place before the ice saints in mid-May, as the delicate seedlings are very sensitive to frost. In addition, the seeds need at least 15 °C to germinate. The same applies to garden cress when sowing: the seed must be kept permanently moist. In addition, the seed should not be covered with a substrate layer that protects it from drying out, since the garden cress is a so-called light germinator. Cress germinates after just a few days. This means that it can also be sown outdoors in autumn and still be brought to harvest maturity.

While garden cress can only be grown outdoors in frost-free seasons, the spicy herb can be cultivated on the windowsill in a bright location all year round. Success is virtually guaranteed, no matter where or in what you sow the cress. Cress is known to germinate in almost any substrate. Whether cotton, damp kitchen paper or normal garden soil - at room temperature the garden cress will germinate after just a few days. After four days it is ready to be harvested and enjoyed. Therefore, an extension in blocks that follow one another in quick succession is advisable. The cultivation of cress in cotton wool or other germ-free substrate should even be preferred. As easy as it is to grow, it is prone to infestation with germs and fungi. Above all, earthy substrates usually have a large variety of different pathogens. Should you nevertheless decide to cultivate garden cress in ordinary soil, the substrate should be heated in the oven before sowing. This decimates the pest pressure in the substrate.

Fertilize and water the garden cress

the cultivation of garden cress is also ideal for beginners. The light germinator is extremely undemanding. During germination, however, the swelling seed must be kept moist. The young plants also enjoy an even supply of water. You can completely ignore the supply of nutrients with the garden cress. Although the cruciferous plant has nothing against well-fertilized soil or substrates, this herb is also satisfied with a nutrient-poor and lean soil. The lower supply of nutrients does not reduce the success of the harvest. Accordingly, no additional fertilization is required during the short cultivation period of the cress. However, if you want to create the best growing conditions, use a high-quality substrate such as our peat-free Plantura for growing in pots Organic tomato & vegetable soil. Beds can also be improved with the soil before planting.

Types of cress: there are also differences here

In addition to the simple garden cress (Lepidium sativum) there are two other well-known cress colleagues: the watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and the Nasturtium (tropaeolum). The leaves of all three types of cress are edible. However, the standard garden cress section does not have a large variety of varieties. True to the motto: the main thing is that it germinates well and has the characteristic aroma. Larger breeding efforts, however, can be observed in the case of nasturtium. Many varieties with differences in growth and flower color are available on the market. There are also a few more Cress species and varieties.

Garden Cress - Harvesting and Storage

At a favorable temperature of around 20 °C, the garden cress is already after four days ready to harvest. Probably no other herb finds its way from the seed bag to the plate faster. The small plants can simply be cut off about a centimeter above the substrate surface with scissors. Only enough should be harvested to cover current needs. However, cress should only be used until flowering has started. Since cress loses its aroma within a very short time after cutting, direct use is advisable. Never wash the cress on the way from the nursery bed to the plate. As a result, the garden cress loses its crisp freshness and becomes mushy instead. Unfortunately, the spicy herb cannot be preserved in any form. If you still want to have cress available permanently, there is no way around repeated sowing at short intervals. If part of the cress is not harvested in time before flowering, it can be used for seed production.

Garden cress - uses and ingredients

A real classic: A fresh slice of bread garnished with cream cheese and freshly harvested, aromatic garden cress. Thanks to the mustard glycosides it contains, the cress gets its characteristic peppery note, which rounds off the taste of fresh salads and many other dishes. The optical refinement of the dishes is a considerable side effect. But the garden cress can be much more than tasty and good looking. The so-called cress test is a simple and quick indicator for measuring the air pollution with pollutants. The growth of cress seedlings that are exposed to a polluted environment is compared with that of unpolluted seedlings. In this way, a rough conclusion can be drawn about the emissions contained in the air.

Surprisingly, the garden cress also boasts a high content of vitamin C, iron, calcium and folic acid. If the garden cress is cultivated on the windowsill, it can be a valuable and energy-giving supplement, especially in winter. Fresh and nutritious fruit and vegetables are often in short supply at this time of year. Another positive effect of regular consumption of garden cress: Broken bones heal faster. This healing power of the herb has even been confirmed by studies.