Short answer: line a plate or tray with a damp paper towel or grow mat. Sprinkle the dry cress seed thinly over it, mist well, and cover loosely. Mist twice a day. Snip young sprouts at 4 to 5 days, or give light and cut microgreens at 8 to 12 days.
What is garden cress?
Garden cress (Lepidium sativum), also called curly cress, is a fast, peppery green. It's different from watercress, which is slower. Cress is a gel-forming seed: wet seed grows a sticky coat that holds water. Sprouting.com gives cress 4 to 5 days as sprouts and 8 to 12 as microgreens.1
How to grow cress sprouts
- Day0
Prepare
Line a plate or tray with a damp paper towel, cotton pad or grow mat.
- Day0
Sow dry
Sprinkle the seed thinly and evenly. Mist until it looks gel-coated.
- Day0–4
Mist
Cover loosely and mist twice a day.
- Day4–5
Harvest sprouts
Snip above the seed layer with scissors.
- Day8–12
Or grow microgreens
Uncover, give light and keep misting. Cut at 8 to 12 days.
Cress is a classic first crop for kids. It grows on almost anything damp. See growing microgreens with kids.
Tips for growing cress
- Sow thinly. A thin, even layer gives sturdier sprouts than a thick mat.
- Keep the gel damp. Mist twice a day; if the gel dries, growth stops.
- Use any damp surface. A paper towel, cotton pad, grow mat or thin soil all work.
- Cut with scissors just above the seed layer.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds clump in a jar | Gel-forming seed | Grow on a plate or tray instead |
| Patchy growth | Gel dried out | Mist more often, keep loosely covered |
| Mold or musty smell | Too wet, no airflow | Mist lightly, uncover for an hour a day |
| Leggy, pale cress | Low light | Move to a bright spot after day 3 |
Cress vs watercress
Garden cress and watercress are both peppery, but they're different plants. Garden cress is much faster and easier, which is why it's the classic first crop for children. Watercress is slower and more delicate.
Classic ways to eat cress
Egg and cress sandwiches are the best-known use. Cress also suits potato salad, soups, avocado toast and anything that needs a peppery lift.
Storing and eating cress sprouts
Use cress within 3 to 4 days. Classic uses include egg and cress sandwiches, soups, salads and potato dishes.
Safety
For young sprouts, the FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat them raw, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.23 Microgreens are a lower-risk choice.
Curly cress FAQ
How long does cress take to grow?
About 4 to 5 days for young sprouts and 8 to 12 days as microgreens.
Do you soak cress seeds?
No. Cress seed forms a gel when wet. Sow it dry on a damp surface and mist it.
Can cress grow on cotton wool?
Yes. Any damp, clean surface works, which makes cress a favourite with kids.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
