You want to grow cress on absorbent cotton? Then you've come to the right place! We show you how you can easily plant cress yourself and what really matters in the cultivation!
Cress is easy always! Whether on bread, in a salad or in soup. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also contains countless vitamins.😁
And the best thing of all: the Attachment of cress is child's play. You can grow them at any time of year and on almost any damp surface.
It even works on conventional absorbent cotton. Already after few days you can harvest and enjoy the little plants.
Today we'll tell you exactly how this works and what you need to look out for if you want to grow cress on absorbent cotton.
Table of contents
- What are the varieties of cress?
- How long does cress on absorbent cotton take to grow?
- Grow cress on absorbent cotton: How it works
- How often do you have to water cress if you grow it on absorbent cotton?
- How to properly care for cress seedlings?
- Why is absorbent cotton not always the best choice for cress?
What are the varieties of cress?
There are different varieties of cress and not every is for pulling on Absorbent cotton suitable. That's why you should definitely know which cress variety is the right one before growing it.
There are 3 different varieties. They differ in color, size and taste.
- Garden cress - is a very delicate plant and germinates very fast. This variety is therefore best suited for growing on absorbent cotton.👍🏼
- Watercress - belongs to the aquatic plants. It is slightly larger than garden cress and is ideal for growing cress. not suitable. Only the leaves of this variety can be eaten. They grow as wild plants in meadows and along stream beds.
- Nasturtium - has very decorative flowers and leaves and is often used to enhance dishes. This type of cress you can also for cultivation use However, the seeds are so large that they can be better in Earth than pulling on absorbent cotton.
Garden cress is super healthy and should therefore be a regular part of your diet. The plant has a very high vitamin content.
It contains the Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and D. It also contains a variety of minerals and trace elements.
Calcium, potassium, iodine, niacin, carotene, iron and phosphorus contains cress. And, of course, secondary plant compounds.
The green superfood also contains mustard oil. This acts like a natural antibiotic and has a positive influence on kidney function.
Cress also cleanses the blood, stimulates the Digestion and promotes the Metabolism.
How long does cress on absorbent cotton take to grow?
Garden cress germinates very fast Even at a soil temperature of 6 degrees Celsius and above, it only needs two days to start growing. Within around six days, you can grow cress on absorbent cotton until it reaches harvest size.
It is important that you constantly moist do not place them in direct sunlight and keep them at room temperature. The cooler it is at the growing location, the slower the seedlings will grow.
Why does cress grow faster on absorbent cotton?
Cress is a very undemanding plant. It grows wherever it can get water. The seed already contains the nutrients it needs. The water does the rest. It grows faster on absorbent cotton than in soil because absorbent cotton releases moisture evenly.
Does it then still have a little light for the Photosynthesis, then this plant is already more than happy. The absorbent cotton only contributes indirectly to growth - it serves as a support for the roots. You could therefore just as well use a Handkerchief or Paper towel use
If you leave the plants too long However, you will notice that the tips of the leaves start to turn yellow. You can still eat the garden cress then. However, it is a sign that it is gradually running out of water. Nutrients are missing. If you wanted to move them on, you would have to provide nutrients now.
Either via highly diluted liquid fertilizer or by placing the absorbent cotton with the plantlets in a pot of soil.
Grow cress on absorbent cotton: How it works
Growing cress yourself is not rocket science. You don't even need soil, as the plant will also grow on absorbent cotton, kitchen paper or paper handkerchiefs.
It is therefore not necessary, plant them in a flower pot or garden bed.
Get your necessary utensils to hand. In addition to the seeds, all you need is a flat bowl or a plate, absorbent cotton and water.
What kind of batting you use doesn't matter.
Instructions for growing cress on absorbent cotton
- Place the absorbent cotton in a container of water so that it can soak up properly can.
- Take the absorbent cotton out of the container and press the excess water off.
- Distribute Now place the damp absorbent cotton in a bowl or on a plate.
- Scatter the Seeds evenly above it. Make sure that they are not too close together 🌱.
- Place the container with the cress seeds on a bright place. It is best to choose a windowsill.
- Hold them moist.
- Now you can watch the cress grow on the absorbent cotton. observe.
How to grow cress on the windowsill?
You can use absorbent cotton, handkerchiefs or kitchen paper. If you place the cress on a windowsill, then choose no way a very sunny south-facing window - it dries out the absorbent cotton and the seeds.❌
A window with morning sun (east) or a little evening sun (west) is just as suitable as a windowsill facing west.
How often do you have to water cress if you grow it on absorbent cotton?
Once you have sown the cress, you must ensure that it is does not dry out. The seedlings are very sensitive to a lack of water. Once you have overlooked it, they will not forgive you.
You have to put cress on absorbent cotton at least once a day pour. However, it is much better to use a spray bottle. Especially at the beginning, you will otherwise wash the seeds away with the watering can or all in one place.
The Spray bottle ensures that the absorbent cotton remains evenly moist and the cress does not dry out.
With hhigher room temperature you can also use the absorbent cotton 2x a day moisturize. Just check it twice a day for the first two days to be on the safe side, then you will quickly develop a feel for it.
TipCut off a little more absorbent cotton than you actually need. The cotton pads dry out quickly, especially at the edges. I use 2 to three centimeters per side more and have been getting on very well with it for years.
With this tutorial you can make a sprout jar!
What happens if you do not water cress?
For uniform and healthy growth, the plants need regular fresh water. If you don't water cress, it will dry out. Especially sensitive are the plants when they are just starting to germinate. If the plants are 1 to 2 cm high, they may forgive you for not watering them enough.☝🏼
Too much but you may neither water. Waterlogging can lead to mold and rot.
How to properly care for cress seedlings?
Already after few days you can look forward to the first seedlings.🌱
However, it is important that the cress on absorbent cotton is always Sufficient moisture has. Otherwise the plants will dry out.
It is best to moisten them twice a day with a spray bottle. However, the seeds should never float in the water.
If the cress is kept too wet, it may ferment or mold on the absorbent cotton.
You should place your plants in a bright place place. This means they can be grown all year round.
But make sure that they No direct sunlight get the heat. The cress can only tolerate this to a limited extent, as it dries out quickly due to the heat.
What is important in the harvest?
Cut off the cress when it two to four centimeters is large. Use either a very sharp knife or kitchen scissors for this 🔪.
The plants no longer grow after. You can dispose of the roots and absorbent cotton in the residual waste. If you want more cress, you will need to sow new ones.
You should use cress direct after the harvest use up. They wilt quickly and lose their typical, slightly pungent taste. If the plants smell funny or taste musty, dispose of them.
You'll love this wild herb spread!
Why is absorbent cotton not always the best choice for cress?
Let me tell you right away: you can natural continue to grow your cress on absorbent cotton.
However, absorbent cotton is often chemically bleached, which can bring harmful substances into the vicinity of your freshly sprouted cress (and subsequently into your body). For those who value health and sustainability, there are better alternatives.☝🏼🌱
Coconut growing mats or hemp are a great choice. These natural materials are not only free from chemicals, but also support healthy plant development.
Coconut and hemp mats provide excellent water retention and aeration, which is essential for germination. They are biodegradable and are therefore an environmentally friendly option.
So if you want to do something good for your cress and the environment, you should use these natural growing alternatives.
Our conclusion
We love cress! The kitchen herb tastes great delicious and is mega healthy. And to make sure it's always fresh on our plates, we simply grow our own cress on absorbent cotton. Try it out - it works all year round without any problems.
Good luck and enjoy! 💚
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