Garden cress

Lepidium sativum

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is an extremely fast leafy green, ready to harvest in just 1–2 weeks. It grows on soil, coco, cotton wool or in hydro — ideal for the windowsill.

Mis à jour:

Lumière

Bright, 12–14 h; it grows leggy in too little light.

Arrosage

Keep constantly moist, never dry out — cress only germinates and grows with steady moisture.

Température

15–22 °C; cool and fast, heat makes it bitter.

Humidité

55–70 %, higher during germination.

Valeurs cibles par méthode et phase

Hydro
Phase pH EC (mS/cm) Eau °C Air °C Humidité % Lumière h Durée (jours)
Germination 5.8–6.5 0.2–0.6 16–22 15–22 65–80 12 3
Plantule 5.8–6.5 0.6–1 16–22 15–22 60–70 14 7
Récolte 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 16–22 15–22 55–65 14 10
Terre
Phase pH EC (mS/cm) Eau °C Air °C Humidité % Lumière h Durée (jours)
Germination 6.1–6.8 0.2–0.6 15–22 65–80 12 3
Plantule 6.1–6.8 0.6–1 15–22 60–70 14 7
Récolte 6.1–6.8 0.8–1.2 15–22 55–65 14 10
Coco
Phase pH EC (mS/cm) Eau °C Air °C Humidité % Lumière h Durée (jours)
Germination 5.8–6.5 0.2–0.6 16–22 15–22 65–80 12 3
Plantule 5.8–6.5 0.6–1 16–22 15–22 60–70 14 7
Récolte 5.8–6.5 0.8–1.2 16–22 15–22 55–65 14 10

Problèmes fréquents

Damping-off (Pythium) when too warm-wet and sown densely; mould in still air. Sow thinly and ventilate.

Pests & diseases

Pest / Disease Symptom Organic treatment
Flea beetles tiny holes in leaves (outdoors) fleece cover, keep moist
Damping-off seedlings collapse avoid overwatering, good airflow

Edible parts

  • Leaves · edible from Plantule — as microgreen/sprout
  • Seeds · edible from Fructification

Techniques de rendement

Cut just above the substrate with scissors once the first true leaves appear — usually a single harvest, then re-sow.

Propagation & pollination

Method
seed
Germination time
2 days
Germination temp
15-20 °C
Sowing depth
0.2 cm
Pollination
self
Hand pollination needed
no

germinates extremely fast

Companion planting

🔴 Bad neighbours: Coriander (Cilantro)

Flavor

sharp, mustardy, peppery

Storage

Harvest fresh and eat right away.

History

Garden cress comes from Western Asia and Egypt and is one of the oldest cultivated plants of all.

Nutrition

Rich in vitamin C, iron and pungent mustard oils.

Sources

Florabase

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