Bramley & Sage Cress Plain Common Seeds – approx. 1750 seeds pp

Grow fresh, peppery greens in just days with our Cress Seeds! Perfect for sprouting indoors or planting outdoors, cress is a versatile and nutrient-packed herb that adds a spicy kick to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. With its quick growth and minimal care requirements, cress is an excellent choice for beginners, urban gardeners, and food enthusiasts alike.

Cress is part of the microgreen’s family, along with pak choi, rocket and radish, and is one of the simplest seeds to grow – you don’t even need a garden! All that is needed is well-lit, bright windowsill and within days you’ll have a delicious addition to your five-a-day. Grow all year round.

Each packet contains approximately 1750 seeds.

SOW: Garden cress is best sown directly into a shallow tray or garden bed. Sow in early spring (or anytime during a mild growing season) since cress germinates quickly. Many gardeners also sow continuously to enjoy a constant supply of tender shoots.

HARVEST: Cress is known for its fast germination, often sprouting in 3–4 days. If you prefer microgreens or young shoots, you can harvest as early as 7–10 days after sowing. For slightly more mature leaves, wait about 2–3 weeks.

LIGHT: Garden cress thrives in full sun but can also do well in bright, indirect light. If grown indoors, place your tray on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light to ensure at least 4–6 hours of bright light daily.

WATERING: Keep the soil or growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Light daily watering is usually ideal—if grown in a tray, mist the surface once a day to maintain dampness, especially during germination and early growth.

SOIL: Use a light, well-draining potting mix or sandy loam enriched with organic matter

PLANT SIZE: Microgreens/Young Shoots: When harvested early, the shoots are just a few centimetres tall. Mature Plants: If allowed to grow fully, garden cress typically reaches a height of about 10–15 cm.

TOP TIP: Cress is a fantastic starting point for introducing children into the world of gardening. It grows so quickly and easily and can be harvested a week or two after sowing so little ones can quickly see results and enjoy learning about how seeds grow. For a fun activity, make ‘cress heads’ by using washed eggshells and filling with moist cotton wool and a sprinkle of cress seeds. Lightly water and leave the eggshells on a well-lit windowsill for results within a few days.

DISH TO TRY: Garden Cress Salad with Mustard-Lemon Vinaigrette – delicious!