Kresse Sprinter Gartenkresse Seeds (Lepidium sativum) – Fast-growing garden cress variety with a peppery, refreshing flavor; perfect for microgreens and sandwich greens.

Minimum: 150+ Seeds

Experience one of the fastest and most satisfying greens to grow with Kresse Sprinter Gartenkresse, a classic German garden cress renowned for its zesty, peppery flavor and light, crisp texture. This rapid-growing heirloom variety (aptly named “Sprinter”) matures in just days, offering an instant harvest of nutrient-dense greens for salads, sandwiches, soups, and microgreen trays. Loved throughout Europe for its invigorating taste and easy cultivation, Lepidium sativum, known as garden cress, has been cherished since ancient times as both a culinary delight and medicinal herb.

Whether you’re sowing in a garden bed, windowsill tray, or hydroponic setup, Kresse Sprinter delivers consistent, lush growth with minimal effort. It thrives indoors or outdoors and can be harvested repeatedly for a continuous supply of fresh, spicy greens. Its bright, peppery bite, reminiscent of watercress or arugula, makes it a perfect finishing touch for eggs, sandwiches, and cold salads, while its high nutritional content makes it a powerhouse in any diet.

🌱 Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum

• Common Names: Garden Cress, Peppergrass, Gartenkresse

• Days to Germination: 2–5 days

• Days to Harvest: 7–14 days (microgreens) or 15–20 days (mature greens)

• Plant Height: 3–6 inches

• Sun Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.0)

• Planting Depth: Surface sow or cover lightly (⅛ inch)

• Spacing: Dense for microgreens; 2–3 inches apart for mature greens

• Watering: Keep evenly moist; avoid drying out

• Temperature: Prefers 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cool weather

As one of the fastest germinating herbs, Kresse Sprinter is perfect for beginners, classrooms, and quick-turn crops. Simply scatter seeds over moist soil or paper towels, press lightly, and mist daily, harvest within a week for tender microgreens. For mature leaves, sow directly in the garden every 1–2 weeks for a continuous supply. It performs exceptionally well in cooler weather, but can also thrive indoors year-round with good light.

🍽️ Culinary Uses

Kresse Sprinter Gartenkresse offers a bold, peppery taste that elevates both simple and gourmet dishes. Traditionally used across German, Scandinavian, and British cuisines, these tender greens are best served fresh and uncooked to preserve their delicate flavor. Sprinkle over buttered bread, eggs, sandwiches, or soups for a crisp bite, or mix with cream cheese or yogurt spreads for a tangy herbal accent.

It’s also an excellent choice for microgreen mixes, adding spice and vibrancy alongside milder greens like lettuce, spinach, or mizuna. Combine with lemon and olive oil for a quick, refreshing salad, or toss over roasted vegetables for contrast. When grown as sprouts, it pairs beautifully with radish, alfalfa, and mustard sprouts.

🌿 Health Benefits

Garden cress has long been valued as both a nutrient-dense supergreen and a traditional medicinal herb. It’s an excellent source of:

• Vitamin C – strengthens immunity and supports collagen production.

• Vitamin K and A – essential for bone health and vision.

• Iron, Calcium, and Folate – promote healthy blood and metabolism.

• Antioxidants and glucosinolates – aid detoxification and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Its digestive and detoxifying effects made it popular in herbal medicine across Europe and the Middle East. When eaten fresh, Kresse supports circulation, respiratory health, and digestion, making it a revitalizing addition to any meal plan.

🌻 Companion Planting

Garden cress can help repel aphids and certain soil pests, making it a beneficial border crop for leafy greens, carrots, and radishes. It’s also a great companion for lettuce, spinach, and herbs, as it grows quickly and can be harvested before slower crops mature.

🏡 Why Grow Kresse Sprinter Gartenkresse?

• Extremely fast-growing, ready to harvest in as little as 7 days

• Peppery, refreshing flavor adds zest to salads, sandwiches, and soups

• Ideal for microgreens, hydroponics, or indoor trays

• High in vitamins and minerals for immune and digestive health

• Perfect for year-round cultivation indoors or out

• Compact and container-friendly, even for small spaces

• A traditional European favorite with a long history of culinary use

🌸 Tips for Best Results

For lush, tender greens, keep the soil consistently moist and harvest young, older leaves can develop a stronger, more pungent flavor. Trim with scissors just above the base for easy regrowth. To enjoy a steady supply, stagger plantings every 7–10 days.

If growing indoors, place trays near a sunny window or under LED grow lights for 10–12 hours daily. For outdoor gardens, choose a partly shaded area during hot months to prevent wilting.

Whether you’re an herb enthusiast, microgreen grower, or simply love the quick gratification of fresh greens, Kresse Sprinter Gartenkresse Seeds offer a perfect blend of speed, nutrition, and flavor. This beloved German classic transforms any garden, or windowsill, into a mini green powerhouse, giving you crisp, peppery cress whenever you crave a burst of freshness.