Garden cress is harvested and consumed as a seedling. But what if the garden cress outgrows it? How tall will it be and what will it look like? Can you still eat fully grown garden cress? Find out here!
How does mature garden cress compare to seedlings?
Mature garden cress grows up to 60 cm tall, has longer, thicker and more fibrous leaves than seedlings and is still edible. However, it is preferred to consume it before flowering, as its nutrients and aromas are stronger then.
Characteristics of adult garden cress
Garden cress can grow up to 60cm high. It grows straight with long stems and narrow leaves several centimeters long. The edges of the leaves are slightly hairy. The leaves are not only longer but also thicker and therefore more fibrous than those of the seedlings.
Can adult garden cress be eaten?
First of all: Garden cress is edible, whether as a seedling or as a fully grown plant. There are probably two reasons why they are primarily harvested as seedlings:
- The leaves are more tender on the young plant.
- The plant has a milder taste than the leaves of a full-grown garden cress.
It is generally recommended to consume the garden cress before it blooms, because when the garden cress begins to form flowers, it puts all its strength and therefore nutrients into this task, so that the leaves contain less nutritional value and often also have less aroma.
The garden cress is blooming
Garden cress blooms in summer if it has been sown in good time, usually in July/August. The flowers are white to pink and, as a cruciferous plant, have exactly four petals. But don't give up on your garden cress just because it's blooming. Because after flowering the really exciting part begins: the formation of the seeds. Garden cress is he althy, but the seeds are a real miracle cure! So wait patiently until the garden cress produces seeds.
Harvesting the garden cress seeds
The seeds are ripe when the pods turn yellow and begin to dry. Then proceed as follows:
- Cut the pods with a clean knife.
- Place them on an absorbent surface in a place to dry, e.g. a heater or in the sun.
- You can open the pods before or after drying and take out the seeds.
- Store whole dried seeds in a dry, dark place.
Use garden cress seeds
Garden cress seeds can be ground and taken as medicine to help with circulatory problems, digestive disorders or bacterial diseases. One gram one to three times a day is the recommended daily dose to help heal he alth problems.
Tip
Consume some of the seeds and use another to sow new seedlings.
