Winter Cress

Winter Cress — variety description

Winter Cress (Lepidium sativum) is an annual herb of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Winter Cress is a herbaceous, flowering plant. It grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm, and the root system is very strong and sturdy.

The stem is ribbed, fibrous, branched at the base. In the first year it forms a rosette of basal leaves, while in the second year it curves upwards with one or more flowering stalks.

Flowering takes place from June to August.

Tea made from the plant is an antiscorbutic and diuretic remedy.

The Cherokee used tea made from the plant as a blood purifier.

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: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 204–276 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March – May and September – November; direct
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Winter Cress

Winter Cress seeds are sown in March – May and September – November. 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 Winter Cress

• 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

The best time to sow it is in spring or autumn. The seeds show hard-coat dormancy, and a period of chilling can help to break this. The seeds should be thinly covered. Do not cover very small seeds, but press them firmly into the ground. The plant prefers fresh, moist places for its development. It grows along roads, along rivers, in arable land, ravines or on slopes.

Sow every 2 weeks; keep the soil moist.

Harvest and use

Cut at a height of 5–10 cm.

Frequently asked questions

When should Winter Cress be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are March – May and September – November. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 204–276 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.