Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Garden Cress — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Lepidium sativum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 2–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 15–30 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 5.1–10.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 10.2–25.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 5.1–10.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct-sow thickly in cool weather, barely covering the seed, which sprouts within days. This peppery quick crop is harvested young as a spicy microgreen or baby salad green. Sow in succession every couple of weeks and keep the soil evenly moist to slow bolting. Provide partial shade in warm spells to extend the harvest window. Snip seedlings with scissors just above the soil once they reach a few inches tall.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0