Cress Broad-Leaved

What Cress Broad-Leaved is

Cress Broad-Leaved (Lepidium sativum) is an annual herb of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Here is a fast-growing, peppery-sweet cress that does well in any garden soil and requires less pampering than standard cress.

Broad-leaved cress has large leaves up to 7 cm long, which makes it ideal for sandwiches. Sow cress in early spring in moderately fertile soil.

Cress is very rich in B and C vitamins, carotene, magnesium, iron, iodine and phosphorus. Used in cooking as a seasoning. The flavour is fresh, similar to horseradish.

Cress is the fastest green — ready in 2–3 weeks, with a spicy taste similar to horseradish. Grows in the garden, in a pot and on the windowsill.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 98%
• Seeds per packet: 1912–2588 pcs (5 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Cress Broad-Leaved

Cress Broad-Leaved seeds are sown in March and April. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Cress Broad-Leaved

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: thickly, in rows 10 cm apart
• Germination: 2–4 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Cress grows almost anywhere, but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. As it is a cool-weather plant and excess heat tends to give the leaves a bitter taste, it should be grown in spring and autumn in most regions. After the last spring frost or in late summer, sow pre-germinated cress seeds directly 1 cm deep in rows 15 apart. If you plan to harvest cress on a small scale, the plants can be spaced 5-7 cm apart. apart. Keep the soil moist for best growth. For a continuous harvest, sow a new crop every 10 days. It can be grown indoors in a pot because it germinates quickly.

Sow every 2 weeks; keep the soil moist.

Harvest and use

Cut at a height of 5–10 cm.

Frequently asked questions

When should Cress Broad-Leaved be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1912–2588 seeds, pack size 5 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 98%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.