Once you’ve snipped your homegrown cress, you’re left with a tray of roots and tiny stems. It’s tempting to keep that little box on your windowsill and keep watering it, hoping for a second round of greens. We’ve all been there—who doesn’t want to stretch out their harvest? But will it actually grow back? Let’s look at the science behind it.
Understanding the “Growth Point”
Most herbs are like the gift that keeps on giving. When you trim them, they sprout new growth from a specific spot called the growth point. As long as that point stays on the plant, you’ll have fresh herbs until the first frost. The problem with garden cress? Its growth point is located right at the very top, just below the leaves. When you harvest cress, it’s almost impossible not to snip that point off. Once it’s gone, the plant is done growing.
Can You Just Pluck the Leaves?
Technically, if you were incredibly precise and only plucked the tiny leaves while leaving the stems and growth points intact, the cress could keep growing. But honestly, it’s not worth the effort. Most of that signature peppery kick and the healthy nutrients are concentrated in the stem near the growth point. If you only eat the leaves, you’re missing out on the best part of the flavor!
The Secret to a Constant Supply: Successive Sowing
If you love eating cress and want it on your avocado toast every morning, don’t worry about trying to regrow old stems. Since seeds are super cheap and you only need a damp paper towel to get them started, the best strategy is to grow it in “waves.” Here’s how to keep the harvest coming:
- Don’t sow all your seeds at once.
- Sow small amounts on your windowsill every few days.
- Cress sprouts are ready to eat in just 4 to 6 days.
- If you’re planting in the garden, sow a new batch every few weeks.
- Outdoor garden cress is usually ready to harvest in 2 to 3 weeks.
Cress Varieties for a Longer Harvest
Standard garden cress isn’t your only option for that spicy flavor. If you want a plant that lasts longer, try planting Nasturtiums. You can harvest their leaves, beautiful flowers, and even their spicy seeds right up until the first frost. Another great option is Broadleaf Cresses (like Pepperweed), which is actually a perennial. Both of these do great in garden beds or in containers on your balcony or patio.