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Organic seeds
Asteraceae
Acmella oleracea
Product code : JAREC-0289
Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance. Brazilian cress, also known as brède mafane, produces a tingling sensation in the mouth. Choose a warm position where you can easily reach the plants for small harvests. These organic seeds from Jardins de l’écoumène let you start your own plants and follow their development from sowing onward. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal.
- Quantity
- 80 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameBrazilian Cress; Para cress
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusAcmella
Speciesoleracea
TypeOrganic seeds
Botanical nameAcmella oleracea
Reproducible seedsYes
Acmella oleracea — Brazilian Cress. Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance. Brazilian cress, also known as brède mafane, produces a tingling sensation in the mouth. Choose a warm position where you can easily reach the plants for small harvests. These organic herb seeds from Jardins de l’écoumène let you start your own plants and follow their development from sowing onward. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth.
Recommended seeding period: sow indoors or outdoors when the soil is warm. Place the seeds on the surface of a fine-textured potting mix, press gently without covering them, keep the mix moist in a bright location, then thin or transplant after emergence. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 7-20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights.
Taste Para cress in very small amounts: a few leaves or a small piece of a flower head are enough to experience its tingling sensation. Jardins de l’écoumène offers these organic seeds for gardeners interested in a crop beyond the usual selection of herbs. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface sow; do not cover
Spacing / density
40 cm (16 in.) between plants
Germination temperature
21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F)
Germination time
7-20 days
Sowing period
Sow indoors or outside once the soil has warmed. Place the seeds on the surface of a fine-textured potting mix, press gently without covering them, keep the mix moist in a bright location, then thin or transplant after emergence.
Propagation
From seed
Growing method
Recommended seeding period: sow indoors or outdoors when the soil is warm. Place the seeds on the surface of a fine-textured potting mix, press gently without covering them, keep the mix moist in a bright location, then thin or transplant after emergence. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 7-20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Keep a steady moisture around the roots, without soaking the soil. Check the soil with a finger before watering, and direct the water to the base of the plant to limit splashing onto leaves intended for harvest. For container-grown plants, always allow excess water to drain away and empty the saucer afterwards. Check young seedlings carefully, as their small, developing root systems leave them vulnerable to drying out. Adjust the amount of water you provide according to rainfall, wind and heat.
Soil type
Brazilian cress prefers loose, warm, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Loosen the soil in the root zone and work in mature compost before planting. Good drainage should let excess water escape while maintaining consistent moisture around the roots. Avoid compacted soils and adjust watering to the soil texture, rainfall and temperature. Replenish the mulch as it breaks down, keeping it away from direct contact with the stems.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.
Moisture
Moist, well-drained soil
Seasonal care
Taste Para cress in very small amounts: a few leaves or a small piece of a flower head are enough to experience its tingling sensation. Jardins de l’écoumène offers these organic seeds for gardeners interested in a crop beyond the usual selection of herbs. Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects. Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
Containing at least 10 L (2.5 US gal), wide and well drained
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in.). An herb grown in a container is easy to move when you need to adjust its exposure to sunlight. The pot should provide air around the roots and allow excess water to drain away freely. Repeated harvesting is easier and cleaner when the foliage extends freely beyond the rim of the container. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adjust watering to the needs of each species rather than treating every herb in the same planter in exactly the same way. Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance. Brazilian cress, also known as brède mafane, produces a tingling sensation in the mouth. Choose a warm position where you can easily reach the plants for small harvests. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
15-30 cm (6-12 in.)
Width / spread
Approximately 30-40 cm (12-16 in.)
Foliage type
Green foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright to bushy
Bloom period
Flowering usually occurs in this period: cress blooming in Brazil occurs after establishment, when the heat, light and maturity of the plant are sufficient. Maintain consistent moisture around the roots without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Avoid excess nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth at the expense of the flowers or the part you intend to harvest. Protect the plants from temperatures they cannot tolerate at their current stage of growth, and maintain good air circulation around the foliage.
Fruiting
For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing.
Days to maturity
About 40 days
Harvest
Continuously as soon as the plants are established, until the first frosts
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Grow Brazilian Cress alongside crops that need similar amounts of sunlight, soil fertility and moisture. Choose neighbouring plants that will not cast shade over this crop, and maintain the recommended distance between the plants as they continue to grow. Low herbs or annual flowers can diversify the bed when space permits, but no association guarantees protection against pests. Prioritize ventilation, access to water and rotation of botanical families. Keep clear passages to observe, water and harvest without compacting the soil.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Leaves, flower buds and flower heads
Recipe idea using Brazilian Cress: herb sauce for four servings. Finely chop two tablespoons of clean and healthy leaves, then mix them with 150 ml of plain yogurt, 10 ml of lemon juice and 5 ml of olive oil. Season lightly with salt, then taste the mixture before deciding whether to add more. For a strongly flavoured herb, start with one teaspoon and gradually add more to taste. Serve with cooked potatoes, raw vegetables or vegetable patties. Add the herbs at the last moment to preserve their freshness. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How do I grow Brazilian Cress from seed?
Recommended seeding period: sow indoors or outdoors when the soil is warm. Place the seeds on the surface of a fine-textured potting mix, press gently without covering them, keep the mix moist in a bright location, then thin or transplant after emergence. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 7-20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location.
Can I grow Brazilian Cress in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in.). An herb grown in a container is easy to move when you need to adjust its exposure to sunlight. The pot should provide air around the roots and allow excess water to drain away freely. Repeated harvesting is easier and cleaner when the foliage extends freely beyond the rim of the container. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adjust watering to the needs of each species rather than treating every herb in the same planter in exactly the same way. Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance.
When can I harvest Brazilian Cress?
For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use.
How can I use Brazilian Cress in the garden?
Taste Para cress in very small amounts: a few leaves or a small piece of a flower head are enough to experience its tingling sensation. Jardins de l’écoumène offers these organic seeds for gardeners interested in a crop beyond the usual selection of herbs. Its small yellow flower heads and dark green foliage give this culinary herb an unusual appearance. Brazilian cress, also known as brède mafane, produces a tingling sensation in the mouth. Choose a warm position where you can easily reach the plants for small harvests. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth.
How do I arrange a planting of Brazilian Cress?
At planting, plan 40 cm (16 in) between the plants. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached.