Lepidium sativum

Sowing and care overview

Lepidium sativum seeds thrive in cool, bright conditions and grow fast from sowing to harvest. Provide full sun to light shade and moist, well‑drained, moderately fertile soil. Sow under cover year‑round for microgreens, and outdoors when soil is workable and after frost risk has passed; in mild climates, sow during cool seasons too. Sow thinly and thin seedlings to maintain airflow; close spacing suits baby leaf or microgreens. Keep moisture steady to prevent checks in growth, and shade lightly in sudden heat to reduce bolting. Plants stay compact and low, so harvest young for tender leaves or allow short rosettes to form. Make small, frequent sowings for a continuous supply.

• Sow very shallowly (barely covered), or on the surface for microgreens; keep evenly moist for reliable germination.
• Thin promptly to maintain airflow; close spacing for baby leaf, wider for small rosettes.
• Water regularly to keep the top layer moist; avoid waterlogging and drought stress to limit bolting.
• Edible: Harvest as microgreens or baby leaves for a mild, peppery bite.
• Container suitable: Grows well in shallow trays and small pots on balconies or windowsills.

Lepidium sativum growing guide: how do you grow garden cress from seed?

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum), also called salad cress or peppergrass, grows fast in cool conditions. Choose a bright spot with full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Rake a fine seedbed, then sow very shallowly (just covered), keeping the surface evenly moist. Indoors or in containers, use a shallow tray with seed compost, water gently, and provide good light. Seedlings stay compact and low; sow thinly, then thin lightly to improve airflow. Consistent moisture is key; avoid waterlogging. Harvest as microgreens in 7–14 days, baby leaves in 2–4 weeks, and before plants bolt in heat.

What is the difference between garden cress and watercress?

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a quick, soil-grown annual suited to trays, pots, or open ground that prefers moist but well-drained conditions and bright light. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a perennial that thrives in flowing, very wet conditions or constantly saturated media; it grows best where water quality and movement are reliable. Both are peppery, but watercress tends to have a stronger, lingering bite and larger leaves, while garden cress is smaller, faster to harvest, and ideal as microgreens or baby leaf. Garden cress is far easier to grow at home without aquatic setups.

When should you sow cress outdoors, and how do you succession sow for continuous harvest?

Sow outdoors when the soil is workable and the risk of frost has passed; in mild climates, additional sowings are possible during cool seasons. Garden cress prefers cool to mild temperatures and may bolt quickly in heat, so provide light shade and steady moisture in warmer periods. For continuity, make small, frequent sowings every 7–14 days rather than one large sowing. Indoors, microgreens can be sown year-round. Thin crowded patches to improve airflow and reduce mildew, and harvest promptly; timely, staggered sowings produce the most consistent quality and texture.

How do you grow cress microgreens at home, including an indoor windowsill method?

Use a shallow tray on a bright windowsill with seed compost, coir, or even a paper towel layer as the medium. Moisten the surface, scatter seeds densely in a single layer, and mist to activate the natural gel coating. Cover loosely for 1–2 days to retain humidity, then uncover to strong, indirect light with good ventilation. Keep evenly moist with a fine spray or bottom watering; avoid waterlogging. Harvest with clean scissors at the cotyledon to first true leaf stage. Trays have limited regrowth, so resow regularly for a steady supply in compact spaces.

What is the ideal peppergrass sowing depth and spacing, and how can you encourage quick germination?

Sow peppergrass (garden cress) very shallowly—about 3–5 mm deep—or simply press seeds onto the surface and just cover with fine compost for microgreens. Outdoors, broadcast thinly or drill narrow rows, then thin seedlings to a light, even stand (roughly a finger-width apart) to promote airflow. For quick, uniform germination, use fresh seed, keep the top layer consistently moist, and maintain moderate temperatures. Avoid letting the surface dry after sowing; the mucilaginous seed coat benefits from steady humidity. Gentle bottom heat and bright light after emergence help produce sturdy, compact growth.

Harvesting garden cress tips: how and when to cut for best regrowth?

Cut microgreens when seedlings have expanded cotyledons or the first true leaves, snipping just above the media. For baby leaves outdoors, harvest at 5–10 cm tall with clean scissors, leaving the crown intact; a light second flush is sometimes possible, but the tender first cut is usually best. Water the bed after harvesting to reduce stress, and keep plants from drying out. In warm weather, cress can bolt; removing flower stalks can slightly extend the leafy phase. If unwanted volunteers are a concern, clip plants before seed set to limit self-seeding.

Information here is general guidance only. Growing outcomes vary with microclimate, soil structure, fertility, drainage, exposure, and seasonal conditions. Product pages provide precise, variety-specific instructions, including sowing windows relative to last frost or when soil is workable, spacing, depth, and handling. They also outline source details and quality controls for each item. Interpret timing and techniques in the context of your conditions, including temperature, day length, rainfall patterns, and shelter.

Cultivation and sourcing notes

Lepidium sativum seeds are valued for quick, reliable germination and a compact growth habit suitable for windowsills, containers, or small garden beds. Sow indoors on trays year-round with adequate light, or outdoors after last frost when soil is workable. Broadcast thinly on a fine, level surface, cover very lightly, then firm and keep evenly moist; seeds typically sprout within a few days. Cool conditions help maintain tenderness; provide light shade in hot spells to reduce bolting. For a steady supply, make successive sowings every 7–10 days. Harvest as microgreens when the first true leaves appear, or let plants grow on for larger leafy cuts. Outdoors, dense sowings work well for snipping, while wider spacing supports small bunching. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Use well-drained, moderately fertile media and avoid waterlogging. Store seed in a cool, dry, dark place to support longevity, and protect young seedlings from pests if required.