Winter Cress

Family: Brassicaceae Herb

Peppery and vividly green, Winter Cress brings a crisp, water-bright bite with tender leaves that stay pleasantly succulent as cool weather settles in.

Expect a lively, clean heat—less harsh than many greens—paired with a delicate, juicy texture that shines in fresh bunches and quick infusions. Ideal for winter sowings and early spring harvests, it’s a dependable garden favorite for bold flavor and fast, satisfying growth in moist conditions.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

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	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Winter Cress is the kind of leafy green that tastes like cold air and clean water—peppery but not punishing, with leaves that don’t turn to mush when handled fast. Use it raw or as a last-second finish so you keep that crisp, juicy snap and the bright heat that slices through fat.

Best Uses

raw bunches in a cold salad where it stays snappy
finishing green for soups and broths—stir in at the last minute
quick infusions or chiffonade over white beans for a peppery wake-up
topping for rich proteins (fish/eggs) to cut through with crisp heat

Flavor Profile

vivid peppery bite clean, water-bright heat tender leaves with crisp, juicy texture cool-climate green bitterness kept in check

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil butter goat cheese salmon potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Nasturtium officinale (winter cress), and how can I manage it?

Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which can chew tender shoots and leave holes or sticky residue. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, then use insecticidal soap (especially on undersides) and remove heavily damaged leaves to slow spread. Because winter cress is often grown cool and wet, also keep foliage dry and improve airflow to reduce fungal leaf spotting.

How often should I water Nasturtium officinale during the main growing phase?

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp beds, not dry swings. In active growth (roughly the first 4–6 weeks), water about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during breezy or sunny weather to prevent wilting. If you’re container-growing, ensure drainage is good while maintaining a constantly moist surface.

How do I know when winter cress (Nasturtium officinale) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 6–10 in (15–25 cm) tall or when leaves are tender and flavorful, typically around 40 days from sowing. Cut outer stems first to encourage regrowth, taking no more than about one-third of the top growth at a time. If leaves turn tough or strongly bitter, harvest immediately to maintain a peppery, mild bite.