Extra Curled Cress

Extra curled cress is a popular salad green, prized for its finely curled leaves, crisp texture, and lively, peppery flavour. This easy-to-grow annual thrives in Canadian gardens and containers, providing a quick harvest of nutritious greens for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Extra curled cress is ideal for gardeners seeking a fast-growing crop that performs well in cool weather.

Key Features of Extra Curled Cress Seeds

• Heirloom, open-pollinated seeds
• Produces dense clusters of finely curled, bright green leaves
• Distinctive peppery flavour—perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes
• Fast-growing: ready to harvest in as little as 10–20 days
• High in vitamins and minerals
• Adaptable to a wide range of Canadian climates and soil types
• Suitable for spring, summer, and fall sowing
• Performs well in garden beds, window boxes, and containers

Planting and Growing Extra Curled Cress

• Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, or start indoors for an earlier crop
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep, spaced 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) apart in rows 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) apart
• Prefers cool weather and partial shade; avoid hot summer sun for best flavour
• Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist and prevent bitterness
• For a continuous harvest, sow successive crops every 2 weeks

Care Tips

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks
• Thin seedlings to allow space for leafy growth
• Harvest young leaves for the best flavour and texture

Harvesting & Storing

• Harvest when leaves are 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) tall for tender, mild greens
• Use fresh in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish
• Store harvested cress in the refrigerator for up to one week

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does extra curled cress need full sun? It grows best in partial shade, especially in warmer months.
• When should I plant extra curled cress seeds? Sow outdoors in early spring, late summer, or fall for best results.
• Can I grow extra curled cress in containers? Yes—use rich, well-drained soil and provide regular moisture.