What am i doing wrong with Cress

[johninblackpool]

Hi Grapes

What am i doing wrong with my cress

This is my first year at GYO and i have had a go at most things ( although i have tried brassicas i don't have enough space) with quite good results
BUT i cannot seem to grow what is supposed to be one of the easiest things CRESS

It either doesn't germinate, it wilts, or it only grows about 1/2 inch and then dies

We love cress and go through about 5 cartons a week

I have been collecting the cartons so these are what i have been using

I have tried it in the GH and on the windowcill with damp kitchen roll and with MPC like in the cartons
But nothing seems to work
So far i have gone through about 20,000 seeds but only two cartons have been any good or worth even eating

I was wondering if there is something i am not doing or am missing
Its totally got me baffled

[Capsid]

I can only think that the clue in your post is "it wilts" and that you are not watering it enough. The kitchen roll must be kept damp all the time, so frequent watering is essential; it dries out very quickly on a windowsill.

[shirlthegirl43]

As said it needs rather a surprising amount of water. Do the cress cartons have perforations in the bottom? If so, stand them in a tray of water for 5 - 10 mins every day (or even morning and evening) then tip the excess water. If they don't have perforations, make some holes and do the same.

[johninblackpool]

Water them every day on the W/Cil and GH but still the same
I have a routine when watering and it is done every morning and or evening depending if i am on Nights or Days or off at work

anyway i have got another 20 cartons on the go so its the final chance
Then its back to the grocers

Just had a thought !!! can it be toooo hot for it ?

[johninblackpool]

As said it needs rather a surprising amount of water. Do the cress cartons have perforations in the bottom? If so, stand them in a tray of water for 5 - 10 mins every day (or even morning and evening) then tip the excess water. If they don't have perforations, make some holes and do the same.

Cheers Shirl

Never thought of that

Yes they all have holes in them
so i will try the soaking tecnique this time

[shirlthegirl43]

It is a possibility. Putting it out of direct sun might help - you want cress to grow good and tall anyhoo.

[Capsid]

Cheers Shirl

Never thought of that

Yes they all have holes in them
so i will try the soaking tecnique this time

I grow cress in trays without holes; they will dry out very quickly otherwise.

Do you check the kitchen paper dampness before watering?

[Two_Sheds]

here's a professional opinion: How to grow salad cress

[babyjohnny]

also try using cotton wool instead of kitchen roll, will hold a lot more water.....

[johninblackpool]

Cheers Everyone for your help hopefully i will get better results this time