Cress grows almost by itself. The maintenance required is very low, whether you grow the herb in the garden or on the windowsill. You just have to be careful when watering. Cress likes it moist, but does not tolerate waterlogging well.
How do you care for cress optimally?
Cress requires little care, but should be watered regularly without causing waterlogging. It is not hardy and does not need to be fertilized or pricked out. Avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth and use a spray bottle to water.
Is cress hardy?
Cress is not hardy. That's why it can only be sown outdoors from mid-May to early September.
Does cress have to be pricked?
Since cress grows very quickly and is harvested outdoors after just a few weeks, pricking out is unnecessary.
If the cress is kept on the windowsill, you can sow the seeds more densely so that a dense green growth develops.
Can cress be planted?
No, you cannot transplant cress. It's not worth it, as the plants are only kept in the garden or in the plant pot for a short time until they bloom. If they are in your way, simply tear them out and sow new cress somewhere else.
How to water cress correctly?
- Keep evenly moist until germination
- Water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
- Use spray bottle
The seeds and the plants themselves are very fine and delicate. A hard jet of water washes out the seeds and presses the stems to the ground.
It is therefore better to use a spray bottle with a fine jet for watering. A fine mist is best for the cress plants.
Do you need to fertilize cress?
No, cress is very undemanding when it comes to the nutrients available in the plant substrate. It also copes with depleted soils. It gets its growing power from the seeds.
What diseases and pests can occur with cress?
Cress attracts flea beetles outdoors. That's why it is often sown before carrots or radishes to protect these plants from flea beetles. Diseases do not occur with cress.
Tips & Tricks
Cress seeds on the windowsill tend to mold if they are kept too moist. As a preventive measure, rinse the seeds with fresh water every morning. Hold the planter at a slight angle and lightly mist the seed with water. But make sure that the seed doesn't float away.
