Garden cress is a total staple for indoor herb gardens, mostly because we love harvesting those tiny, peppery seedlings just days after planting. But have you ever wondered what happens if you just let it keep growing? How tall does it actually get, and can you still eat it? Let’s dive into what happens when cress grows up.
The Lowdown on Mature Garden Cress
If you leave it alone, garden cress can actually reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall! It grows on long, straight stems with narrow, elongated leaves that have slightly fuzzy edges. Compared to the tiny sprouts we’re used to, the mature leaves are much thicker and a bit more fibrous.
The good news is that garden cress is edible at any stage—from sprout to full-grown plant. So why do we usually harvest it so early? Well, the seedlings are incredibly tender. As the plant matures, it gets a bit “woody” and tough. Plus, those little sprouts pack a much more concentrated, punchy flavor than the older leaves.
Can You Eat Mature Cress?
Whether you eat your cress as a microgreen or a full-grown herb is totally up to you. However, a pro tip is to harvest it before it starts flowering. Once the plant starts blooming, it redirects all its energy into the flowers rather than the leaves. This causes the flavor to fade, leaving the greens tasting a bit bland rather than zesty.
Depending on when you sowed your seeds, cress usually blooms around July or August. You’ll recognize the flowers by their white or pale pink color. Since cress is part of the cruciferous family, each flower has exactly four petals. If you miss your harvest window and the plant starts flowering, don’t pull it out! The seeds are actually super healthy and edible, or you can save them to plant next season.
You’ll know the seeds are ready when the pods turn yellow and feel dry. Just snip the pods off with a sharp knife and let them finish drying out on a sunny windowsill or near a heater. You can dry the pods whole or pop them open first—whatever works best for you!
