More about the plant below:
Garden cress, peppercorn (Lepidium sativum)
category : herbs
position : sun, partial shade
height : up to 50 cm
frost resistance : -
reaction soil : neutral, slightly acidic
preferences soil : fertile, sandy loam
watering : a lot
color leaves/needles : green
color of flowers : white, light pink
shape : upright
period flowering : June-July
seeding : spring, summer, autumn
reproduction:seed
persistence leaves : seasonal
application : balconies, edible plant, terraces, herb bed, rooms
pace of growth : fast
Garden cress - silhouetteWhen to Sow Water Cress for Easter?Form of garden cress growthGarden Cress - positionGrowing garden cressApplication for watercressAdviceGarden cress - silhouette
Sowing cress, or peppercorns, comes from the countries of the Mediterranean Basin and Asia Minor.It was valued already in ancient times.It came to Central Europe thanks to the Romans.
When to sow watercress at Easter?
The cress is best sown about 5 days before Easter, if you plan to decorate it with a chaplet or an Easter table. All you need is gauze, potting or sprouting for the best results. It is enough to sprinkle it with water every day or pour over a jar of gauze, on which it will grow without major problems.
Its temperature should be within 20 degrees Celsius and the germination container should be ventilated to prevent the formation of mold. Young cress leaves are excellent in taste, but it is worth remembering that the sprouts themselves contain the most nutritional values and vitamins after 2-3 days.
Form of garden cress growth
Cress is an annual plant 30 to 50 cm tall, with oval leaves and white to pink flowers.We offer varieties with straight, curly and large leaves.
Garden Cress - position
Cress does not impose excessive demands on the quality of the substrate.A position in the sun or partial shade provides optimal development conditions.If the place is warm, cultivation is also successful in the shade.
Growing garden cress
From March to September, the plants can be grown in the ground, in winter only at home on the windowsill.Seeds are densely sown and covered with a thin layer of soil (or left without any cover at all) , then gently press it to the substrate.
Application for watercress
Not only young seedlings can be eaten, but also leaves of mature plants and flowers that are sharp in taste.For harvesting, the best plants are young, about 7, 10 cm tall plants, which should be cut shortly above the surface of the substrate.Only fresh watercress has culinary significance, because only in this form it retains not only the taste , but also he alth benefits (because it is rich in vitamin C).
Cress is an excellent addition to sandwiches, cottage cheese and salads.In addition, it strengthens the heart, increases the production of red blood cells, and also relieves headaches and toothaches.
Tip
Cress grows even on stacked petals of a paper towel or cotton wool.The substrate must always be wet.
