Growing Garden Cress from Seed GrowCreateSave.com Growing garden cress from seed is a great way to have this popular garnish at your doorstep and save money. This step by step guide with pictures shows how to germinate and care for garden cress. This annual herb is also known as cress or curly cress. It is a fast-growing hardy plant which prefers the cooler weather. Some varieties are more resistant to bolting than others but all should be planted in the cooler months in warm regions. Cress grows from 8 inches (20cm) to 24 inches (60cm) tall depending on the variety. Stems branch out from the top half of the plant. It has tiny white to pink flowers which are grouped together. Culinary Uses for Garden Cress Garden cress is related to watercress and mustard with a sweet and peppery flavor. It is high in nutrients but must be eaten raw or the nutrients will be lost. It is perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches or simply adding as a garnish to your favorite dishes. Try mixing chopped garden cress with a boiled egg and mayonnaise then spread on your favorite bread. Growing Garden Cress from Seed It is best to plant garden cress direct in its final position. It can be grown successfully both in pots and out in the garden. Cress takes only 25 days to reach maturity however you can begin harvesting shoots after the first 2 weeks. Location What is the best location to plant cress? Garden cress prefers a position in part shade to full sun with moist soil. Improve the soil with organic matter then mulch well to retain moisture and to keep down weeds. When is the best time to plant garden cress? In warmer climates it is best to plant garden cress from the early fall (autumn) to spring. In cooler climates garden cress is planted in the spring through to the fall (autumn). Tools and Materials Needed Shovel Trowel Garden Cress Seeds Aged Manure or Compost Mulch Liquid Fertilizer Instructions First prepare the soil by digging in aged manure or compost. Add a handful of garden lime to acidic soils. Make rows 4 inches (10cm) apart or make 1 wide row thinning the plants out to 2 inches (5cm) apart after they have germinated. Water the soil well then sprinkle the seeds over the top. Lightly cover with soil to a depth of ¼ inch (4mm). Alternatively, make a trench with your finger ¼ inch (4mm) deep, sprinkle the seed along the trench then backfill the soil. Moisten the top with a mist spray then keep moist. The germination time will depend on the weather. They will germinate within a few days in warmer weather or up to 2 weeks in cooler weather. Wait 2 weeks after germination to apply a half strength of liquid fertilizer then apply a full-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks for the best results. Once the plants have their second leaves, thin out so there is 2 inches (4cm) between each plant. Mulch well and keep the soil moist by watering regularly. Garden cress has shallow roots and doesn’t like their roots to be disturbed so it is important to remove weeds as soon as they appear. Cress can be harvested as soon as 2 weeks after planting depending on the growth rate. Shoots should be at least 2 inches (5cm) tall before harvesting. Cut the stems with scissors to avoid pulling on the plant which may disturb the roots. Pests and Diseases Garden cress is susceptible to some fungal and bacterial diseases such as Brown Spot, Clubroot and Downey Mildew. As cress is a fast-growing plant it is best to remove the plants, place in a plastic bag then dispose. Do not place in the compost. Plant more plants in a different position in the garden leaving the infected spot for a few seasons. Alternatively, fungicides can be used to treat the problem. The main pest is Flea Beetle which affect younger plants more than older plants. A thick layer of mulch will help protect the plants or an insecticide may be used. Tip During a hot spell cover your garden cress plants with shade cloth to help prevent the plant from bolting.