Cress True Water Seed
Cress True Water Seed

Cress True Water Seed

Price: $1.19

Quick Facts:

  • Packet Contains: 50 seeds
  • Days to Harvest: 40-50
  • Seed Type: Annual
Plant Features
Cress True Water is a nutrient-packed herb perfect for salads, soups, and sandwiches. Its crisp, peppery leaves add a gourmet touch to any dish, while its fast growth makes it an easy addition to home gardens. Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil, this refreshing green is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, flavorful harvests.

Cress Growing Guide

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

  • Timing: Sow cress seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Cress thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
  • Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Cress grows best in fertile, well-draining soil but can tolerate moist conditions.
  • Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Cress prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
  • Planting Seeds:
    • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart in rows or broadcast them over the soil surface.
    • Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing of 4-6 inches as they grow.
  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 5-7 days. Cress requires consistent moisture to maintain tender growth.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

  • Timing: Start cress seeds indoors at any time of year for a continuous harvest, as they grow quickly in controlled conditions.
  • Containers: Use shallow trays or pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
  • Planting:
    • Sprinkle seeds over the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure contact. Do not cover with soil, as cress seeds need light to germinate.
    • Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist.
  • Germination:
    • Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
    • Expect seedlings to emerge within 5-7 days.
  • Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors if desired when soil temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 4-6 inches apart in rows.

General Care Tips for Cress

  • Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, though cress tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
  • Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Regular watering is essential to prevent cress from becoming tough or bitter.
  • Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Cress is a light feeder and typically does not require additional fertilization during its short growing season.
  • Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth and prevent bolting.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Cress is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing and watering help prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
  • Harvesting:
    • For Leaves: Begin harvesting leaves when the plant is 2-4 inches tall, typically 10-14 days after sowing. Snip leaves or cut the entire plant at the base for a single harvest.
    • For Continuous Harvest: Regularly snip leaves to encourage regrowth and delay bolting.
  • Storage: Store fresh cress leaves in a plastic bag or damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wash leaves just before use.
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