Cress Seeds – Lepidium sativum
Lepidium sativum • Brassicaceae • Native to Western Asia, Persia
Cress Seeds grow into fast-growing, leafy herb plants with a mild, peppery flavor. Ideal for edible gardens, containers, microgreens, and fresh salad harvests.
Seed Variety: Cress Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Cress Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Cress bolts quickly in warm weather, so if temperatures climb above 20 degrees Celsius during the day, expect plants to run to seed fast and turn bitter before you get a useful harvest.
Botanical profile
Meet the Cress – Lepidium sativum
Step-by-step planting
Garden cress growing is refreshingly straightforward, but a few simple steps will give you the most consistent results whether you are sowing outside, in containers, or on a kitchen windowsill.
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1
Choose Your Timing
Sow cress seeds outdoors in early spring or autumn when soil temperatures sit between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, as this cool range encourages steady, even sprouting.
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2
Pick a Spot or Container
Cress container gardening works very well in shallow trays, window boxes, or even repurposed food containers with drainage holes, as the roots stay short and the plant does not need much depth.
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3
Prepare the Growing Surface
Fill your container or bed with a fine, moist growing medium, whether standard potting compost, seed compost, or garden soil that has been raked to a smooth, lump-free surface.
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4
Sow the Seeds
Scatter cress seeds thickly and evenly across the surface, then press them gently into contact with the compost without burying them deeply, as they only need the lightest covering of fine soil or vermiculite.
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5
Water Carefully
Mist the surface with a gentle spray rather than pouring water directly, keeping the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged, since soggy conditions are one of the main reasons cress seeds fail to germinate well.
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6
Watch for Sprouting
Under good conditions seeds typically show signs of life within a few days, though actual sprouting times vary depending on your soil temperature, moisture levels, and local climate, so patience through the first week is worthwhile.
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7
Harvest While Young
Snip cress with scissors at about 5 to 8 centimetres tall, cutting just above the base so a second flush can sometimes regrow, and use it fresh the same day for the sharpest flavour.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Cress Seeds – Lepidium sativum
How long does cress take to germinate?
Under warm enough but still cool conditions, cress seeds often begin sprouting within three to seven days. Germination timing depends on factors like soil temperature, moisture consistency, and air circulation, so results will vary from one grower to the next. If nothing appears after ten days, check that the growing medium has not dried out or become waterlogged.
Can cress be grown indoors?
Cress is one of the most capable plants for indoor growing and suits a bright windowsill well, particularly in cooler months when outdoor conditions are harsh. A south or east-facing window works well, and shallow trays make cress container gardening tidy and low-effort. Just watch that the glass does not heat up and cook the seedlings during sunny winter afternoons.
What soil pH does cress prefer?
Garden cress grows comfortably across a moderately wide pH range, but it does particularly well in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil leans more acidic than this, a light application of garden lime worked in before sowing can help. Most standard potting composts fall within this range and will serve you well without any adjustment.
When should I harvest garden cress?
For the most flavourful leaves, harvest when the cress has reached around 5 to 8 centimetres in height, usually within one to three weeks of sowing depending on conditions. At this stage the leaves are tender and the peppergrass character is lively without being harsh. If you wait too long, especially as temperatures climb, the flavour can become more bitter and the plant will start directing energy toward flowering rather than leafy growth.
Is cress safe for pets?
Lepidium sativum is not considered toxic to cats or dogs based on widely referenced veterinary plant lists, but individual animals can have sensitive digestive systems and react to any plant material. If your pet shows any signs of digestive upset after contact with cress, it is worth consulting a veterinarian. As a general rule, it is sensible to keep curious pets away from any seedling trays to protect both the plants and the animal.
How often should I water cress?
Cress needs consistent moisture, so check the growing medium once or twice a day in warm or dry conditions and mist or water lightly whenever the surface begins to feel dry to the touch. Overwatering is just as problematic as underwatering, because saturated compost reduces oxygen to the roots and can encourage damping off in young seedlings. A light, even moisture level throughout the medium tends to give the most reliable results.
Can I grow cress without soil?
Cress is one of the most cooperative plants for soilless growing and is a popular choice for cress sprouting guides that use damp paper towels, cotton wool, or hydroponic trays. Simply moisten your chosen surface, scatter seeds across it, and keep it damp in a bright spot. This method works particularly well for cress microgreens harvested at the cotyledon stage, and it means even someone with no garden space or soil on hand can grow a useful crop.