SoCal Home Gardening

Cress

Peppery, small leafy green, great in salads.

Information on Growing Cress

Cress is a wonderful vegetable to grow in a home garden because it requires minimal space and effort. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow cress successfully:

1. Choosing the right variety: There are different types of cress, such as watercress, garden cress, and upland cress. For home gardening, garden cress is the most common choice. It grows quickly and has a peppery flavor.

2. Selecting the planting location: Cress can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you have a sunny windowsill, that would be a perfect spot. Otherwise, you can grow it in a small container or a raised bed in a sunny area outdoors.

3. Preparing the soil or container: Cress prefers well-draining and fertile soil. If planting in the ground, loosen the soil and remove any weeds. If using a container, fill it with potting mix or a mix of compost and garden soil.

4. Planting the seeds: Cress is typically grown from seeds. Scatter the seeds over the soil surface, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Gently press the seeds into the soil, but avoid burying them too deep, as cress requires light to germinate. You can plant cress seeds in rows or simply scatter them across the entire surface.

5. Watering: Cress needs consistent moisture, so water the soil lightly after planting. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause the seeds to rot. Mist the soil surface regularly to keep it damp until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-10 days.

6. Thinning the seedlings: Once the cress seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall, you may notice overcrowding. To ensure proper growth, thin out the seedlings by snipping them off at ground level with scissors or your fingers. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each plant.

7. Providing the right growing conditions: Cress prefers cooler temperatures, ideally around 60-70�F (15-20�C). If the weather or indoor temperature gets too hot, provide some shade or move the container to a cooler area.

8. Harvesting: Garden cress can be harvested as soon as the plants are at least a couple of inches tall, usually within 2-3 weeks after planting. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the plants about an inch above the soil level.

9. Continual harvesting: Cress is a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest it multiple times. As you harvest, new leaves will continue to grow. For a steady supply of cress, cut the outer leaves while leaving the center intact.

10. Storage and usage: To store harvested cress, wrap it in a damp paper towel and keep it in the refrigerator. Cress is often used as a garnish, added to sandwiches, salads, and soups for a peppery flavor. It's best to consume it fresh for optimal taste and nutrition.

Remember, cress has a short growing cycle, so you can plant new seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest. Enjoy the joy of growing your own cress and experiencing its delicious flavors!

Cress Varieties

See All Cress Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.