Growing microgreens and sprouting are two of the easiest, fastest, most nutritious, and rewarding methods to grow some food at home. You may need a green thumb to grow fruits and vegetables but not for microgreens!

Cress Microgreens

Cress is a rapidly growing annual herb, praised for its zingy taste and crunchy texture. It makes a zesty and peppery addition to salads and sandwiches, and makes a great garnish on scrambled eggs. Cress is also high in sulforaphanes (the compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables) to help support liver function and detoxification. 

• Fast and easy to grow.
• Mild flavour
• Rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.

How to Grow Cress Microgreens

• Do not pre-soak seeds.
• Sow rate: 28 grams for a 25 x 50cm growing tray.
• Moisten soil, flatten 3-4 cm soil in tray. works well as a growing medium or you could also use a  . 
• Sprinkle seeds evenly over the surface of growing medium, then lightly water to ensure seeds have good contact with soil. 
• Cover growing tray for 2-3 days with another tray or lid.  Store in well ventilated area away from light until the seeds germinate. Lightly water 1-2 times daily.
• Once seeds have germinated, take off top tray and place growing tray in light. Water 1-2 times daily.
• Harvest in approximately 8-14 days when microgreens are 5-7cm tall. Use to cut microgreens just above the soil line for optimum flavour and freshness. 

Cress Seed Details:

• Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum
• GMO Free.
• Heirloom & Open Pollinated Variety
• No chemical treatment.
• Seeds per gram: Approx. 450.

Health Benefits of Microgreens and Sprouts

• Incredibly nutrient dense and low in calories. One study found that "some microgreens contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients than their mature counterparts" [1].
• Makes seeds easier to digest.
• Essential minerals and nutrients contained within the seeds/legumes become more bioavailable after sprouting (i.e. the nutrients become easier for your body to absorb and use).
• Delicious addition to a salad, sandwich, smoothie or other meal. Add a crunch or a peppery zing depending on the type you choose ().

What's the Difference Between Microgreens and Sprouts?

Both microgreens and sprouts are the young shoots of germinated seeds - essentially baby plants. You can grow grains, legumes, nuts and seeds as sprouts or microgreens and people are now fully realising the benefits of eating these young plants.

Sprouts are not grown in soil or other growing medium but rather are germinated with only water, usually in a jar or on a paper towel. They do not need light but require rinsing/misting at least twice per day, are ready to eat in 3-5 days and both the seed and plant are consumed.

Microgreens are grown in soil, a hydroponic growing pad or another growing medium such as . They require light, are usually ready to eat in 5-15 days depending on what you're growing, and are generally cut off above the soil so only the stems and leaves are consumed. 

For further information see our article - 

How to Store Microgreen and Sprouting Seeds

Store seeds in a cool, dry place (under 10°C) or in an airtight container in the fridge. Do not expose to moisture or direct sunlight, Grains, cereals & pulses should be refrigerated.

 *** Due to quarantine restrictions we are unable to send seeds to Tasmania or South Australia***