Curled Cress Seeds – 500 Seeds (1g) Lepidium sativum Peppery Salad Greens
Curled Cress (Lepidium sativum) is a fast-growing, cool-season annual prized for its peppery, tangy flavor and frilly, curled green leaves. Also known as garden cress, this heirloom variety is a favorite for adding a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Its quick germination and compact growth make it an excellent choice for kitchen gardens, containers, and windowsill growing.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, curled cress is easy to grow and rewards you with a speedy harvest. The delicate, divided leaves are not only tasty but also add a decorative touch to any dish. Grow it as a microgreen or let it mature for a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Plant Features
- Peppery, tangy flavor ideal for salads and garnishes
- Fast-growing annual with curled, frilly leaves
- Heirloom variety suitable for garden beds or containers
- Quick germination and early harvest
- Compact growth habit, perfect for small spaces
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum
- Plant Type: Annual
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist
- Growth Habit: Upright, compact
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (grown as annual)
- Bloom Season: Not grown for blooms; harvest leaves before flowering
- Mature Height: 6-12 inches
- Spacing: 6-8 inches apart
Planting & Care
Sow curled cress seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall, as plants prefer cool weather. Scatter seeds thinly over prepared soil and cover lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5-10 days. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart to allow for healthy growth. For a continuous supply, succession sow every 2-3 weeks.
Provide regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out, especially during warm spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender, about 3-4 weeks after sowing. Cut outer leaves first to encourage further growth. Curled cress is relatively pest-free and requires minimal care.
What's Included
500 seeds (1g) of Curled Cress (Lepidium sativum).