Cress Growing Guide
Growing Cress is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Growing Zones
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Brassicaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Cress?
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Your Cress Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Cress's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 2–7 days
Growing Tips
- 1Cress grows best in a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade.
- 2Keep the soil consistently moist, as cress prefers damp conditions.
- 3Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and space the seeds about 1 inch apart to allow for proper air circulation.
- 4To manage pests, consider using a fine mesh or netting to protect young plants from insects.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~10
Days to Maturity
15 cm
Mature Height
10 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
21 days
When to Pick
Cut leaves before flowering
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest cress when the leaves are young and tender, typically 2-3 inches tall, for the best flavor.
- 2Use scissors to snip the leaves just above the soil line, leaving the roots intact to allow for regrowth.
- 3Avoid pulling the entire plant to ensure continuous harvests.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your cress plant is easy and rewarding, even for new growers! Simply let some of your cress plants flower and form seed pods—these will turn brown and dry out when ready. Gently snip the pods off, open them, and collect the tiny seeds inside. Spread the seeds out on a plate for a few days to make sure they’re completely dry, then store them in a labeled envelope or small jar in a cool, dry place. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is, and you’ll have your own homegrown seeds ready for next season!
Seed Production
