Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Curled Cress is an edible herbaceous plant with curled, frilly leaves that boast a delicious peppery flavor and is in the same family as Watercress. This plant prefers cooler weather; excessive high heat can cause the plant to turn bitter. The seed pods of this plant are also edible and can be used fresh or dried and used as a tangy and zesty seasoning. The baby leaves make a great addition to salad spring mix for a fresh and unique flavor addition. This seed can also be used to grow microgreens!
NAME: Cress (Lepidium sativum)
VARIETY: Curled
DAYS TO MATURITY: 50 – 55 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Shade
SOIL: Fertile, loam soil with a pH 6.0 – 7.5
PLANT HEIGHT: 8 – 16 inches
SPACING: 5 – 7 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 85°F
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Starting Curled Cress seeds indoors is not recommended due to their preference for direct sowing and their resilient nature. While it’s technically possible to start seeds indoors, it’s generally not recommended for Curled Cress. They tend to grow quickly and robustly when sown directly outdoors.
If you still choose to start seeds indoor, use biodegradable pots or trays to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
Fill containers with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow seeds thinly on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in.
Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of around 60-70°F (15-21°C) for optimal germination.
Place containers in a location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have developed several sets of true leaves, being careful not to disturb the roots.
Start seeds outdoors 1 week after your last local frost.
Sow 1 seed 1/4 inch deep spaced 1 inch apart in rows that are spaced 6 inches apart.
Water the seeds in well and maintain moisture; germination should occur in 7 to 10 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them so they are spaced 5 inches apart.
Prepare a garden bed that receives 6 hours of sunlight a day by removing any rocks, debris or weeds and adding ample compost.
You can also choose to grow curled cress in pots for its entire life rather than stationary beds.
Curled Cress prefers very fertile and well draining soil.
Curled Cress can also benefit from a partially shaded area to avoid bolting
Curled Cress will be ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days.
To harvest the leaves, cut the entire plant 3 inches from the ground, or trim leaves individually for smaller applications.
