Cresson de Fontaine

Family: Brassicaceae Leafy Green

Delicate, peppery leaves with a bright, water-fresh snap—Cresson de Fontaine delivers a vivid bite that feels instantly invigorating.

Expect tender, fast-growing greens with a crisp, succulent texture that stays lively from harvest to bowl, ideal for garden cress lovers who prize bold flavor in a compact crop. Grow it for fresh, quick-turn salads and vibrant garnishes, and for stirring into silky sauces where its sharp character shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Cresson de Fontaine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cresson de Fontaine is a small-leaf rocket: aggressively peppery, but with a clean, water-fresh snap that stays crisp enough for garnish. Treat it like a finishing green—add at the last moment and it reads lively, not cooked.

Best Uses

chopped over buttered bread or smoked fish as a last-second garnish (won’t collapse fast)
tossed through a simple vinaigrette or lemon-olive oil salad to keep the bite lively
whisked into warm emulsions and quick sauces (off-heat) to avoid dulling the sharpness
stirred into soups or strained sauces at the very end for a peppery, green lift

Flavor Profile

peppery mustard bite bright, water-fresh tang tender leaves with a succulent crisp snap clean finish that turns herbal rather than bitter

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil butter mustard salmon goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (cresson de Fontaine), and how can I control it?

Watch for clubroot (often shows up as stunted, yellowing plants with swollen roots) and for flea beetles that chew small holes in the leaves. Prevent clubroot by not planting brassicas in the same bed for several years and by keeping soil well-drained (avoid soggy beds); if symptoms appear, remove affected plants to reduce spread. For flea beetles, cover seedlings with a fine row cover as soon as they germinate and keep weeds down around the planting area.

How often should I water cresson de Fontaine during its main growth phase?

During the ~35-day growth period, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—water when the top 1/2 inch starts to dry, typically every 1–2 days depending on heat and container size. Aim for steady moisture rather than letting it swing dry to wet, because arugula-type greens will turn more bitter and bolt faster under drought stress. If leaves look limp by midday, water immediately and maintain even moisture through harvest.

How do I know when cresson de Fontaine is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 35 days from sowing, or sooner if you reach the size you want, once leaves are tender and reach roughly 3–6 inches long. Pick outer leaves first for ongoing harvest, or cut the whole rosette close to the soil when the plant forms a compact, lush bunch. If you see rapid stem elongation and flowering, harvest immediately—flavor will turn more peppery and tougher.