Curled Cress is a fast-growing, cool-season herb related to watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. With its delicate, crisp leaves, this versatile green is perfect for garnishing salads, sandwiches, or soups. Its compact, bushy growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens, windowsills, or containers, allowing gardeners with limited space to easily enjoy fresh herbs. Curled Cress is a hardy plant, thriving in cool temperatures, and can be grown year-round in most climates, making it a reliable addition to any home garden. Its high nutrient content, including vitamin C and antioxidants, adds both flavor and health benefits to your meals. Fast-growing and easy to harvest, Curled Cress provides a quick reward for minimal effort, making it a must-have for those who want fresh, homegrown greens without the wait. Plant Name: Cress, Curled Latin Name: Lepidium sativum Days to Germinate: 3-7 Days to Harvest: 30 Plant Height: 6 - 12 inches Spread: 6 - 12 inches Growth Habit: Spreading USDA Zones: 2-11 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Cress grows best in cooler temperatures (55F-65F). Plant cress in the spring after all danger of frost has passed as soon as the soil can be worked. For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 4-6 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin plants after germination, broadcast seeds then separate to 6 inches apart after emergence to give plants more spacing for larger growth. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Within-Row Spacing: 6 inches Between-Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Additional fertilizing is usually not needed because the plant grows so quickly. If growth is slow or leaves are smaller than expected, you may optionally apply a light dressing of a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Harvest Curled Cress when the leaves are young and tender, about 30-40 days after planting. Cut the outer leaves using scissors or garden shears, leaving the younger, inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest the leaves as needed, taking no more than a third of the plant at a time to encourage new growth. It’s best to harvest before the plant bolts (flowers and goes to seed), as this can make the leaves taste more bitter. Regular harvesting will keep the plant productive and ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens.
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