How to Plant Cress

Leaves from garden cress can be used to make salads. The plant, an annual, grows to be about 18 inches tall, but it usually is harvested right after germination, when the leaves are tender. Garden cress grows well in the United States in climate zones 3 through 10, but it is not suited for the cooler 1 and 2 zones.

Things You'll Need

• Garden cress seeds Shallow pots Potting soil

Instructions

Garden

1. Locate a place in the garden with sun or light shade, and fertile, well-draining soil. Plant the seeds from early spring through summer. Garden cress prefers a soil with a 6.0 to 7.5 pH level.

2. Sow the seeds between ¼ and ½ inch deep, with 10 to 15 seeds per foot of row. Garden cress can be planted in two-week intervals, to allow a steady crop of tender leaves throughout the growing season.

3. Keep the soil moist, and do not thin the crop.

Indoors

1. Fill shallow pots with potting soil if you want to grow the cress indoors. This can be done year-round.

2. Sow the seeds heavily and evenly in the potting soil and press the soil flat.

3. Water the pot and place in a sunny indoor location, such as on a window sill. Keep at a temperature of between 65 to 70 degrees. The seedlings should be ready for harvesting within two weeks. Keep the soil moist.

References

• Herbs, Crockett and Tanner, 1977
• Planting Garden Cress