Cress

Lepidium sativum

vegetable

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Garden cress is an extremely fast-growing peppery microgreen that can be harvested in 7–10 days after germination. Its tender leaves and stems provide a tangy, mustard-like flavor ideal for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. This is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, thriving indoors or outdoors with minimal care.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Cress is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Boltingchevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

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Overwateringchevron_right

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Underwateringchevron_right

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Damping Offchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Tolerates partial shade but prefers bright, indirect light. 4–5 hours of sunlight daily sufficient; will grow under grow lights.

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Water

Keep soil constantly moist but not waterlogged; water daily or twice daily in warm weather. Excellent for hydroponic and microgreen systems.

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Soil

Light, well-draining seed-starting mix or potting soil. Not demanding; can grow on damp paper towels or cheesecloth.

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Fertiliser

No fertilizer needed for quick microgreen crops. For mature plants, apply dilute balanced fertilizer weekly if grown beyond 2 weeks.

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Temperature

Germinates quickly at 60–70°F. Tolerates cool weather; slows below 50°F. Bolts readily in warm weather above 70°F.

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Humidity

Moderate to high humidity; 60–70% ideal for germination. Seedlings need consistent moisture in air to prevent drying out.

Toxicity

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Cress is entirely edible and safe for all household members, including pets.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Cress actually grow?

Extremely fast — it can be harvested in just 7–10 days after germination, making it one of the quickest vegetables to grow from seed to table.

Can I grow Cress without soil?

Yes — it's not demanding about growing medium and can grow on damp paper towels or cheesecloth, which is why it's a classic choice for kids' gardening projects and windowsill microgreens.