Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
Garden cress
Lepidium sativum
In short a 10-second read
spacing 2 in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in moist soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 2 in apart.
How to plant: broadcast, sow thickly
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
sow indoors: January–December; direct sowing: March–October
Harvest
April–October
What to plant now (January) full list in January (4) →What to plant now (February) full list in February (20) →What to plant now (March) full list in March (284) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (323) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (185) →What to plant now (June) full list in June (58) →What to plant now (July) full list in July (26) →What to plant now (August) full list in August (25) →What to plant now (September) full list in September (146) →What to plant now (October) full list in October (243) →What to plant now (November) full list in November (147) →What to plant now (December) full list in December (4) →
Feeding
Nutrition.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow garden cress?
In January–December (sow indoors, direct sowing).
When is garden cress harvested?
In April–October.
Does garden cress tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does garden cress need?
At maturity 1⅛ in–2 in wide and 2 in–1 ft 11⅝ in tall; recommended spacing 2 in.
Sources (7) Checked 27 October 2026
- kim.uni-hohenheim.de
- uaex.uada.edu
- rhs.org.uk
- api.gbif.org
- gartenjournal.net
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, Slovakia
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Harvest
When to harvest.
Using the harvest · garden cress
From the bed to the kitchen.
What you can eat, what is in it, and what to do with the harvest now and later.
Edible parts
What is in it
What to do with the harvest