Contents
Description
Lepidium Sativum, commonly known as garden cress, is an annual herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is a fast-growing plant that reaches a height of 15-30 cm and has slender, branching stems. The leaves are usually simple, ovate, and slightly lobed. The flowers are small and white, and the fruits are small, oblong, and pod-like. Garden cress has a mild, peppery taste similar to watercress and is used in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Lepidium |
| Species | Lepidium sativum |
Appearance
Garden cress has slender, branching stems that can grow up to 30 cm in height. The leaves are simple, ovate, and slightly lobed, with a bright green color. The flowers are small and white, and the fruits are small, oblong, and pod-like. The seeds are tiny and round, with a dark brown color. When grown in a garden, garden cress can be harvested in as little as two weeks after sowing.
Care Guide
Garden cress is an easy plant to grow and care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Here are some tips on how to care for garden cress:Water: Garden cress needs consistent moisture to grow well. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Garden cress does not require much fertilizer. A light application of balanced fertilizer once a month can help the plants grow stronger and healthier.Soil: Garden cress prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: Garden cress needs full sun to partial shade to grow well. If grown indoors, provide the plants with bright, indirect light.Hardiness Zones: Garden cress is typically grown as an annual plant, but it can be grown as a perennial in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Garden cress is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common problems that gardeners may encounter include:Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of garden cress. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plants with a mixture of water and dish soap.Whiteflies: These tiny, winged insects can cause yellowing and stunted growth in garden cress. Whiteflies can be controlled with insecticidal soap.Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Downy mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Garden cress is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated around the world. It prefers cool, moist environments and is often grown in greenhouses or as a windowsill plant. Garden cress can be grown in containers or in the ground and is a popular choice for indoor gardening.
Question and Answer
Q: Can garden cress be grown indoors?
A: Yes, garden cress can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.Q: How long does it take for garden cress to germinate?
A: Garden cress typically germinates in 2-7 days.Q: Can garden cress be grown in hydroponics?
A: Yes, garden cress can be grown in hydroponics systems.Q: Is garden cress easy to grow?
A: Yes, garden cress is an easy plant to grow and care for, making it a great choice for beginners.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to garden cress:- Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)- Mustard greens (Brassica juncea)- Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)- Radish (Raphanus sativus)
References
– “Garden Cress.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c115.- “Lepidium Sativum.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lepidium+sativum.- “Garden Cress.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/cress/growing-garden-cress.htm.
