Cress – Curled (aka Garden, Pepper)

Lepidium sativum – Curled (aka Garden, Peppery)

• Growing Temp 45°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 15-20 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: Also known as Garden or Pepper cress, Curled cress is an easy-to-grow, quick-maturing herb with finely cut, peppery-tasting leaves. Its fast growth and minimal care requirements make it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Curled cress adds a spicy, pepper-like flavor to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes, pairing well with milder greens for added flavor depth.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant Curled cress seeds outdoors in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart. Germination typically occurs within 2–5 days. Keep the soil moist, as cress thrives in cool, consistently damp conditions and can bolt if the temperature gets too warm.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start early, sow cress seeds indoors 2–3 weeks before the last frost. Use seedling trays with a quality potting mix, scattering the seeds lightly over the surface. Gently press the seeds into the soil and mist regularly to keep them moist. Maintain a temperature around 60°F. Once seedlings have a few leaves and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing about 1 inch apart for a denser planting.

Harvesting: To determine when Curled cress is ready for harvest, look for leaves that are about 2–3 inches long, typically within 15-20 days. Snip leaves from the outer edges, allowing the center to continue growing. Regular harvesting helps prevent the plant from becoming too bitter and maintains optimal flavor and texture.