Cress Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Cress Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Cress

Planting:
To ensure a steady supply, start sowing cress seeds every three weeks from just before the last expected frost date to the end of summer. Use a cloche or heavy row cover for frost protection during early fall. In milder winter regions, many types of cress can grow throughout the winter.


Seed Starting:
Choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil to be moist. Distribute the seeds over the soil, aiming for a spacing of about 1cm (half an inch) between them. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and press down gently. A 12m (40 feet) row that's 7cm (about 3 inches) wide requires only 4 grams of seed, so use sparingly. For pots, select ones that are at least 10cm (4 inches) deep and preferably broader. The most frequent error is sowing too densely.


Growing:
Cress thrives in moderately fertile soil, especially if you're harvesting repeatedly. Add 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10 feet) row. A mix of peat or coir with added compost is ideal for potted cress. Regular watering is crucial. Post-harvest, if growth seems sluggish, a light application of kelp or fish-based fertilizer can encourage further growth.


Harvesting:
Harvest your cress using one of two methods: snip the plants about 2-5cm (1-2 inches) above the soil when they stand 10-15cm (3-6 inches) tall, or pick individual leaves as needed. Initially, you may notice more brassicas than lettuces, but a timely trim encourages balanced growth. Expect a second harvest in 2-3 weeks following regrowth.

Diseases & Pests

Slugs
To keep slugs away from your cress plants, create a physical barrier. Spread crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or sharp sand around the base of your plants. The rough texture of these materials damages the slugs' soft bodies and prevents them from crossing over.


Flea Beetles:
Use floating row covers to protect the cress from flea beetles. Cover the plants immediately after planting and secure the edges in the soil to prevent beetles from entering. The covers also promote plant growth.