Cress - Key Growing Information

Cress, a cool-weather crop that prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. For continuous harvest, sow q. 10 days.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Lepidium sativum, Barbarea verna, Nasturtium officinale

CULTURE:

For Wrinkled Crinkled Cress, Upland Cress, and Watercress.

DIRECT SEEDING:

Wrinkled Crinkled Cress: Sow shallowly in a 2-4" wide band, early spring through early fall or indoors, year-round, in a flat, about 20 seeds/in. Begin harvest in 7-10 days when 2" tall. Sow every 2 weeks for a steady supply. Upland Cress: For full-size rosettes: Direct seed from midspring onward, about 15 seeds/ft., 1/4" deep. Keep soil moist as the seed germinates slowly. Thin to 4-6" apart. Harvest rosettes at the below the basal plate. For baby leaf: Sow 3-5 seeds/in. in rows at least 2" apart. Harvest above the basal plate when leaves reach desired size. Watercress: High moisture requirements make direct seeding difficult. Direct seed about ½" apart, ¼" deep. Thin to 4" apart and keep well-watered, or start seed indoors, keeping the soil moist. Transplant to large pots, cold frame, or field with soil that is fertile, humus-rich, well-limed, and has a pH around 7.0. Keep soil moist or sit pots in pans of water and renew water daily.

SEED SPECS:

Wrinkled Crinkled Cress: Avg. 11,600 seeds/oz. Upland Cress: Avg. 22,800 seeds/oz. Watercress: Avg. 133,700 seeds/oz.

PACKET:

Wrinkled Crinkled Cress: 250 seeds, sows 12 sq.in. Upland Cress: 250 seeds, sows 15'. Watercress: 250 seeds.