Cress
Lepidium sativum
Peppery microgreen ready to eat just 5-7 days after sowing. Can be grown year-round on a windowsill with minimal effort.
Overview
Companion Planting
Radish
LettuceToxicity
Garden cress is edible and non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats; however, its mustard oils may cause mild digestive upset in pets if consumed in large quantities.
Planting Tips
1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.
Care Tip: Re-sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest; thin seedlings to 8-12 cm apart once emerged.
Common Pests
Aphids
Symptoms: Clusters of small green or black insects on stems and leaf undersides; curled or yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue.
Treatment: Spray plants with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; neem oil works for heavier infestations.
Prevention: Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Flea Beetles
Symptoms: Tiny round holes (shot-hole damage) across leaves, especially on young seedlings.
Treatment: Apply diatomaceous earth around plants or use neem oil spray on foliage.
Prevention: Use floating row covers immediately after sowing; practice crop rotation with non-brassica crops.
Whiteflies
Symptoms: Tiny white flying insects on leaf undersides; yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold from honeydew.
Treatment: Use yellow sticky traps and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prevention: Inspect transplants before planting; remove heavily infested leaves promptly.
Common Diseases
Downy Mildew (Perofascia lepidii)
Symptoms: Vein-limited yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces with white downy fungal growth on corresponding lower surfaces.
Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plants; apply a copper-based fungicide if caught early.
Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing; avoid overhead watering and reduce humidity around foliage.
Damping Off
Symptoms: Seedlings collapse at the soil line, stems become water-soaked and thin; patches of seedlings fail to emerge.
Treatment: No cure once seedlings are affected; remove dead material and improve drainage immediately.
Prevention: Use sterile seed-starting mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure good ventilation around seedlings.
Root Rot
Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing lower leaves, and brown mushy roots when inspected.
Treatment: Remove affected plants; allow soil to dry between waterings and improve drainage.
Prevention: Use well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes; avoid waterlogged conditions.