Growing cress - where did I go wrong?

BallandChain

I've been growing cress from seed and followed the instructions. They have wilted and look dried up even though I placed the seeds in a propagator (unheated windowsill planter with lids-vents closed) on moist kitchen paper. Left in the airing cupboard and they were doing really well. Then when they were 1cm tall I removed from airing cupboard, opened vents, kept lids in place and put on the windowsill. They didn't like that! I think the cress has had it but I'm trying to salvage something from it by putting it back in the airing cupboard again, lids still in place and vents closed.

I followed the instructions and it said to take out when 1cm tall. Could the problem be they needed longer or that the windowsill planter (it's in 3 sections with lids/vents on top) is not ideal? lol, I thought cress would be the easiest to grow. I've also started off a second lot which are germinating nicely, and always checking the moisture levels too. Any ideas?

sirbrainy

They have wilted and look dried up

You needed to water them a bit :cool:

BallandChain

Thanks, but I the kitchen paper was still moist. Maybe not wet enough?

Sambucus_Nigra

Too warm - cress is a brassica and as such, likes it cool.

BallandChain

So once 1cm in height I should take it out of airing cupboard and place it away from the window?

Sambucus_Nigra

BallandChain wrote: »

So once 1cm in height I should take it out of airing cupboard and place it away from the window?

It never needs the airing cupboard in the first place.

BallandChain

Thanks! Now, I just double checked and the packet said to keep in a dark place. Hmmm, will have to rethink where to put it. My flat gets so warm wherever it is placed.

emiff6

I find it easier to grow cress the same way you grow other sprouting seeds (mung beans, alfalfa, aduki beans etc) - in a jamjar with a bit of muslin or old stocking held over the neck with an elastic band, and rinse through with water twice a day.

Daisymaisy

My method which never fails is double or triple layer of kitchen towel in the bottom of an empty margarine tub or one of the plastic take away boxed. Soak kitchen towel and then sprinkle seeds on and put on the windowsill. Keep the kitchen towel wet and hey presto cress for sandwiches or salads in no time at all. The important thing is to keep them moist. Hope you have success with your next lot .

LilacPixie

we used to grow it on a bit of kitcen paper inside a cleaded out eggshell when little. always seemed to work

sirbrainy

Let's face it: if you struggle to grow cress, you sure need this forum lol