This fact sheet describes garden cress in the garden, varieties, how to grow, problems, harvesting and storage, productivity, nutrition, and frequently asked questions

Allen, Bonnie

Drost, Dan

English

DigitalCommons@USU

 Revised by Dan Drost, April 2020  Garden Cress in the Garden    Summary Bonnie Allan and Dan Drost Garden cress or pepper-grass is an annual herb that was introduced to the United States from China. Garden cress grows best in cultivated areas that receive full sun or partial shade with moist soils. Garden cress is a very easy plant to grow. Garden cress can also be grown in a window sill or container. Garden cress is usually cultivated for its leaves, which are used in salads, on sandwiches, and as baby greens. The leaves and seed pods have a peppery taste.  Recommended Varieties Common varieties include Wrinkled, Crinkled, Crumpled, Persian, and Curly. Purchase seed from a local nursery or seed catalogs.  How to Grow Soil: Garden cress does well in all soil types as long as they are moist and nutrient rich. Soil Preparation:  Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area. Planting: Garden cress is planted by seed. Broadcast the seeds by randomly scattering them over the planting area or by mass planting them in rows. Rows should be about 3-4 inches apart. Once seedlings have emerged, thin plants to 8-12 inches apart. Re-sow seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. Garden cress does not tolerate frost so plant near the frost free date for your area. Water: Garden cress performs best if soil remains very moist. If planting in containers, make sure to water them every few days keeping the soil moist. Drought stress during growth will greatly reduce yield.             Fertility: Cress has very low fertilizer requirements due to the short growing time for the plants. For container grown plants, fertilize periodically with a soluble liquid fertilizer.  Problems Weeds: Control weeds through regular cultivation, but avoid root damage that slows plant growth by damaging shallow roots. Weed control is particularly important during the first months of growth when plants are growing slowly and compete poorly. Organic mulches such as grass clippings, straw and shredded newspaper help conserve water and control weeds. No specific diseases or insect problems are reported for this plant.  Harvest and Storage Harvest begins 2-3 weeks after emergence when the leaves are 2 inches long. Remove the older leaves for immediate use and leave the young ones so the plant doesn’t stop growing. A 10 to 15 foot row of garden cress usually provides enough for the average family. Uses Garden cress is used in salads, soups, on sandwiches, and as baby greens. Garden cress is also used to treat inflammation, acne, and skin infections and it acts as a blood purifier, diuretic and expectorant.          In its programs and activities, Utah State University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of the Office of Equity, Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Title IX Coordinator, Hilary Renshaw, hilary.renshaw@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266. For further information on notice of non-discrimination: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University.  

Garden Cress in the Garden

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1256&amp;context=extension_curall

Garden Cress in the Garden

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