Mouldy cress or cress sprouts are harmful to he alth and should under no circumstances be eaten. Incorrect support or waterlogging are usually responsible for the formation of mold. But uncleanliness can also lead to mold developing.
How do I prevent mold from forming on cress?
Moldy cress should not be consumed but should be thrown away. To avoid mold formation, use cellulose such as cotton wool, kitchen paper or peat tablets as a base, prevent waterlogging and choose an airy, sunny location.
Is it actually mold?
If a white coating forms on the seedlings, it doesn't necessarily have to be mold. The fine cress roots initially develop a network that is somewhat reminiscent of mold.
To determine whether it is actually mold, do the smell test. If cress or spores smell musty and unpleasant, it is probably due to mold.
A fresh, spicy-hot smell indicates that the cress is completely he althy and perfectly edible.
Discard moldy cress
If mold has appeared, throw away the cress. Simply removing the upper layer of soil, as is often recommended, does not help, as the lower layers of soil are also infested with spores.
Do not dispose of moldy cress in the compost, but throw it in the household waste or organic waste bin.
Use pulp instead of soil
The plant substrate plays an important role in preventing mold infestation.
Cheap or depleted garden soil often contains mold spores, which spread quickly when waterlogged. Before sowing, dry the soil for a short time at high temperatures in the oven.
You can also use other materials instead of soil. These are usually uncontaminated and do not get moldy so quickly:
- Cotton
- kitchen crepe
- Disposable tissues
- Peat tablets
Mold is encouraged by waterlogging
Keep the cress evenly moist, but make sure that no waterlogging occurs.
It has proven to be useful to rinse the seeds with fresh water every morning. You have to be very careful so that the seed doesn't float away. Use a spray bottle (€21.00 on Amazon) and hold the plant bowl at a slight angle so that the excess water can drain away.
An airy location in the sun is also advisable because the plants can dry out better.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to be absolutely sure that the cress or sprouts do not become moldy, care for the cress in a two-pot system. The top pot in which the seeds are sown has a few drainage holes. This allows the water to drain into the lower pot and prevents mold from forming.