Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ Seeds (Lepidium sativum) – Smooth-leaf cress with a mild, peppery bite; ideal for salads, soups, and healthy garnishes.

Minimum: 100+ Seeds

Bring a burst of freshness and vitality to your garden and kitchen with Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’, a beloved European heirloom cress variety known for its smooth leaves, crisp texture, and pleasantly mild pepper flavor. This classic Lepidium sativum cultivar has been cultivated for centuries as a fast-growing, cool-season green that thrives in both gardens and indoor settings. Its tender, glossy leaves are packed with nutrients, adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals while offering incredible ease of cultivation, sprouting in just a few days!

Often referred to as smooth-leaf garden cress, Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ grows quickly into lush, green clusters with a subtle bite reminiscent of watercress or mustard greens. Its refined, less curly leaves make it ideal for microgreens, garnishes, and fresh harvests year-round. A staple in European kitchens and health-conscious diets, this variety combines nutritional richness, culinary versatility, and beautiful form, making it a favorite among chefs, herbalists, and home gardeners alike.

🥗 Flavor & Culinary Uses:
Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ offers a mildly spicy, clean, and slightly nutty flavor that enhances both simple and gourmet dishes. Its smooth leaves provide a delicate texture and vibrant aroma that pairs beautifully with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Popular culinary uses include:

• Salads & Sandwiches: Add freshly cut leaves for a crisp, peppery crunch.

• Soups & Stews: Sprinkle just before serving to elevate flavor and aroma.

• Egg Dishes: Perfect on omelets, scrambled eggs, and quiches.

• Smoothies & Juices: A refreshing boost of vitamins and minerals.

• Garnishes: Its bright green color and subtle spice make it a favorite for finishing touches.

• Microgreens: Harvested young, they deliver concentrated nutrients and lively flavor.

Chefs love its delicate yet distinct flavor as a substitute for arugula or mustard greens, especially when milder tones are desired.

🌱 Growing Conditions & Tips:
Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ is one of the fastest-growing leafy greens and can be cultivated indoors, outdoors, or hydroponically. It’s perfect for windowsill gardening, container gardens, and microgreen trays.

Sowing & Germination:

• Sow seeds directly where they will grow, no transplanting needed.

• Sprinkle seeds evenly over moist, well-draining soil or compost surface.

• Press gently but do not cover deeply (light aids germination).

• Keep soil consistently moist; germination occurs within 2–4 days.

Growing Conditions:

• Ideal temperature range: 50–70°F (10–21°C).

• Prefers full sun to partial shade, excellent for early spring or autumn planting.

• Grows well indoors year-round under bright light.

• In warm climates, provide light shade to prevent bolting.

Harvesting:

• Harvest 10–20 days after sowing, when plants reach 2–4 inches tall.

• Cut leaves just above the soil level; regrowth is possible for a second harvest.

• For continuous production, sow new seeds every 7–10 days.

Soil:

• Performs best in loose, fertile, moist soil rich in organic matter.

• pH range: 6.0–7.0.

• Thrives even in shallow containers with minimal soil depth.

Watering:

• Requires steady moisture for tender leaves.

• Avoid waterlogging; ensure gentle, consistent watering.

💚 Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits:
Garden cress is celebrated for its exceptional nutritional density and health-promoting properties. Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ contains a potent blend of vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, folate, and antioxidants. Its high vitamin C content supports immune function, while glucosinolates contribute to natural detoxification and anti-inflammatory effects.

Regular consumption of cress may aid in:

• Boosting immunity through antioxidants and essential vitamins.

• Supporting digestion and metabolism with natural enzymes.

• Enhancing skin health and collagen synthesis with vitamin C.

• Strengthening bones due to calcium and vitamin K content.

Historically, garden cress has also been used as a traditional herbal remedy for respiratory ailments, fatigue, and anemia.

🌾 Why Grow Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’?

• Fast-growing heirloom — harvest in as little as 10 days.

• Smooth, tender leaves ideal for culinary presentation.

• Mild peppery flavor — less sharp than curly cress varieties.

• Perfect for containers, microgreens, and indoor growing.

• Nutrient-rich supergreen packed with vitamins and minerals.

• Low-maintenance and self-seeding — thrives with minimal effort.

• Cold-tolerant and adaptable to many climates.

• Excellent companion plant for pest control and soil enrichment.

🌼 Fun Fact:
In traditional European households, Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’ was often grown on damp cotton or paper in early spring to celebrate Easter and symbolize renewal. It would sprout within days, offering one of the first fresh greens after winter, a simple, yet deeply rooted tradition that continues in many homes today.

🌿 Experience the fresh, peppery elegance of Kresse ‘Glattblättrige’!
This smooth-leaf heirloom cress offers fast harvests, beautiful texture, and gentle spice that elevates salads, soups, and sandwiches alike. Whether you’re a chef, gardener, or microgreen grower, it’s the perfect green to bring vitality, nutrition, and simplicity to your kitchen garden year-round.