Garden Cress

Garden cress has been a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, soups and wraps since ancient times. Its spicy, peppery taste belongs within the mustard family of plants and is used for its nutritious and delicious qualities. Garden cress is either harvested as a sprouting seed, or as an edible leaf with an upright growth habit. This article will look at the journey from seed to dinner plate that garden cress takes and the intricate science that is involved in producing such a delicacy.

The Lifecycle of Garden Cress

Garden cress has a 4-stage lifecycle which it follows in order to produce its edible leaves, stems and sprouts. The stages of the garden cress lifecycle are seed, germination, seedling, and harvesting.

Seed

Garden cress is typically grown from seeds, as opposed to garden cress plants. To ensure a successful crop, gardeners need to pay special attention to the type of seed they are planting. The condition, age, and type of seed can all affect the quality of the crop, and the flavor they produce.

Germination

Germination is the process of a seedling beginning to grow. For garden cress, the germination stage is the point at which it will start to produce both the shoots and roots. Garden cress begins its germination when the proper environmental conditions present themselves, which include consistent moisture and a certain amount of warmth.

Seedling

Once the seeds have begun to germinate, the shoots will emerge and enter the seedling phase. During the seedling phase, the garden cress is still dependent upon moisture and warm temperatures in order to survive. The seedling will develop the first few edible leaves and crunchy stems, and will become larger as it continues to be nourished.

Harvesting

The final phase of the lifecycle is harvesting. Garden cress can be harvested in two ways; as an edible leaf or as a sprouting seed. For gardeners who are harvesting the edible leaves, they will typically wait until the garden cress reaches three to four inches in height. The leaves should be picked with long stems attached, and either washed and eaten immediately, or stored in a fridge or cool place for later. If a gardener is looking to harvest the sprouting seeds for use with salads, wraps or sandwiches, they should leave the garden cress to grow for longer until it the shoots have formed a canopy. This can then be harvested and used.

Soil Conditions

When deciding upon the location to grow garden cress, soil conditions are something to consider. The ideal soil for garden cress is moderately rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 . Garden cress also prefers soils that are well aerated and moisture-retentive.

Fertilizing

Garden cress does not need heavy fertilizing in order to produce a successful crop. However, a light application of fertilizer after the first few weeks of growth is recommended in order to ensure the best results. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen should be used, such as organic compost or a fertilizer specifically formulated for garden cress.

Water Requirements

In order to ensure garden cress produces a quality crop, consistent and adequate watering is important. Too little water can lead to small and weak sprouts, while too much water can lead to seedling root rot. A general rule of thumb is to water garden cress every other day or when the top inch of soil is dry.

Light Requirements

The optimal light for garden cress is full sun, which will produce the best growth, flavors, and colors of the sprouts. If planting in partial shade, gardeners should keep in mind that these areas are more prone to dampness, which can lead to problems with the crop.

Pests and Disease

As with all plants, garden cress can be subject to pests and disease. The most common diseases that affect garden cress are caused by fungi and pathogens, such as downy mildew, anthracnose, and rhizoctonia. Garden cress is also prone to attack by pests such as aphids and flea beetles. The best ways to combat pests and disease is to avoid planting garden cress in areas where other infected crops have been, and to remove any weeds or insects that may be present.

From Seed to the Dinner Plate

Garden cress is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Although it begins as a tiny seed, garden cress can be transformed into a delicacy that can be enjoyed by many. The journey from seed to dinner plate requires careful attention to soil conditions, fertilization, water, and light requirements in order to ensure a successful crop. Once harvested, garden cress can be eaten immediately, or stored in a fridge or cool place for later. Garden cress is a nutritious, flavorful ingredient that is sure to liven up any dish!