How to Grow Green Cress

Cress is a quick-growing, cool-season vegetable that is ready to harvest 15 to 20 days following sowing. There are many kinds of cress, including watercress, Upland cress and garden cress (Lepidium sativum). Garden cress is commonly called mustard cress, broadleaf cress, pepper cress or peppergrass. This annual herb is grown for its green leaves and seed pods that have a peppery taste. Cress grows quickly outdoors in the garden as soon as you can work the soil in the spring.

Organic matter
Shovel
Fertilizer
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Find a site to grow garden cress with full sun or partial shade. Cress grows best in nutrient-rich and moist soil.
- 2
  Add 4 to 6 inches of organic matter -- such as peat moss, aged manure and compost -- to enrich the planting area. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer, such as 16-16-8 or similar. Follow the package directions for amounts.
- 3
  Work the organic matter and fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Rake the planting bed level.
- 4
  Sow cress seeds 1/4-inch deep, or scatter the seeds in the planting bed and then cover them with a thin layer of compost. Seeds can be randomly grown or planted 3 to 4 inches apart in rows that are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.
- 5
  Water the area to dampen the soil. Continue to water as needed to maintain moist soil throughout the growing season.
- 6
  Thin the cress seedlings to one every 6 to 12 inches when they emerge. Use these edible seedlings in salads or recipes if desired.
- 7
  Harvest the cress plants as needed by pinching off the tips. Cut the plants back to 1/2-inch to encourage new growth when they reach 3 inches tall.

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