American Cress Seeds

900 Seeds.

Other Names - Land Cress, Upland Cress…

This green peppery flavoured leaf is very similar to watercress however it is far less demanding and does not require running water or overly moist soils to thrive. Landcress or American Cress can simply be sown amongst the other vegetables in the garden and does not require any special attention. It is a hardy leaf and will tolerate cold frosty nights well. If treated as a cut and come again it will produce juicy peppery leaves over a long season.

• A hardy cold season peppery leaf, very similar in flavour to watercress.
• Does not require running water or overly moist soil to thrive.
• Produces spicy peppery green leaves over a long season.

Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds, container garden, limited space

Sowing Months - March - July, September

Harvest - May - September, November - late April from a September sowing

Gardening is about finding the right balance! Try growing Companion Plants close by to help deter pests.

• Slugs and snails love landcress, try growing plants nearby that attract the ground beetle, such as amaranth and clover. This predatory beetle eats slugs, snails, slug and snail eggs, caterpillars and weed seed.

Soil Preperation

Add some well rotted manure or compost to the soil a few months before sowing or planting. Remove any weeds, lime if necessary and add some general purpose organic fertilizer to the bed 1 - 2 weeks before sowing or planting.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

Landcress seeds are small, sow 2 - 3 seeds per 4 cm module. As soon as germination starts move to an area with good daylight, a windowsill or greenhouse is ideal. When the seedlings are big enough to handle thin to 1 strong seedling per module. Keep the compost moist but do not overwater. Plant out 2 - 3 weeks later.
Early sowing especially will need hardening off over 7 - 10 days to acclimatise the plants to the outdoor temperature. Plant at the distance suggested above. Firm the soil around each plant and water well. If brassica pests are a problem cover the crop with fine insect mesh. This will also help to protect the crop from bird damage.

Direct Sowing

Sow 2 - 3 seeds 10 cm apart at the depth and row distance suggested above. Cover the seeds with soil and water well. If brassica pests are a problem cover the bed with fine insect mesh. When the seedlings are big enough to handle thin to one strong seedling per station. A few weeks later thin to 20 cm between each plant. The thinning's can be used in the kitchen.

Growing On

Water well every 5 - 7 days in dry weather. Weed often to keep competing plants under control. Landcress is hardy and is happy to grow outdoors unprotected over the winter months however if the crop is covered with a cloche or some horticultural fleece the leaves will be of better quality.

Harvesting

The first pickings of young peppery leaves can start around 8 - 10 weeks after sowing. Pick the larger outer leaves first, leaving the smaller leaves in the middle to grow further for the next harvest. It may be easier to cut the leaves with scissors. Landcress will keep in the fridge in a polythene bag for 4 - 5 days however it is at its best when eaten fresh.