Peppery punch in a frilly little leaf!
Curled Cress is a fast-growing green with a bold, spicy flavor and finely frilled leaves that look as lively as they taste. Whether you’re growing it on your windowsill or tossing it into a salad, this little green brings big personality to your garden.
Variety: Curled Cress (Lepidium sativum)
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Height: 6–8 inches
Flavor Profile: Spicy, peppery, and tangy
Color: Bright green, finely curled leaves
Planting Conditions: Direct sow in full sun to partial shade; grows well indoors
Harvest Timeline: Leaves ready in 10–20 days
Uses: Microgreens, salads, sandwiches, and garnishes
Fun Fact: One of the fastest greens to grow, harvestable in just a week when grown as microgreens!
Curled Cress is a dream for small-space gardeners and flavor seekers. Its frilly leaves pack a peppery punch that livens up sandwiches, egg dishes, and fresh salads. Grows beautifully on a windowsill or in microgreen trays, making it a go-to for quick harvests and fresh flavor year-round.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Full sun to partial shade works well.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Scatter seeds on moist soil and press lightly, no need to cover.
💧 Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
🌿 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 1–2 inches apart for fuller growth.
✂️ Harvest: Snip leaves when they’re 2–4 inches tall for best flavor.
For Microgreens
🪴 Prepare a Tray: Use a shallow tray with seed-starting mix.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Scatter evenly and press gently into the surface.
💧 Mist Daily: Keep moist until germination, usually within 2–3 days.
☀️ Provide Light: Place in a sunny window or under grow lights.
✂️ Harvest: Snip at 7–10 days when greens are 1–2 inches tall.
