Growing cress is great for a fun, fast, educational gardening project. Cress is inexpensive, easy to grow and a fantastic way to teach children about germination and the conditions needed for healthy plants to grow.
We grew our cress caterpillar in an egg box and watered the seeds a little each day.
How to grow a cress caterpillar
- cress seeds
- an egg box, cut into segments
- water
Cress Caterpillar Instructions
- Place some cress seeds in each segment of the egg box.
- Place three segments on one plate or tray and three on another plate or tray.
- Add water to all, and place one plate on a windowsill and one in the dark.
- Water frequently.
The cress should grow within a few days. I gave my 'in the dark seeds' a little light to help them grow, which is why they are slightly green.
Why are the cress leaves green?
I was very surprised that the seeds grew so well without any soil. The water and nutrients stored in the seeds provided everything they needed to grow.
Green plants make sugar for growth through a process called photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide + water (and light ) ---------> glucose and oxygen
Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplast cells, which contain a substance called chlorophyll, which makes plants green.
Sunlight is also needed to make chlorophyll, which is why cress seeds exposed to less sunlight are less green than those kept in the sun.
More plant and seed science for kids
Make an edible butterfly life cycle; use our free template to make it easy!
Dissect a flower to learn about the structure and function of different parts of a flower.
Grow a bean in a jar! This is a great way to learn about germination.
Find out about leaf transpiration with Teach Beside Me.
Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
Angela says
this is totally cute! I love how you made a science project into a toy!
Susan Mann says
ooh this is so cute. I need to find where to get cress seeds, I'm so going to make this. x
MsXpat says
How cute this one caterpillar I'll eat, lol
Toys In The Dryer says
I'd like to invite you to share this with our readers for Fun Stuff Friday @Toys In The Dryer http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/03/fun-stuff-fridays-16.html.
ScienceSparks says
Done!
ellen says
What are cress seeds? Watercress?
ScienceSparks says
Its just garden cress, I think its related to watercress though . 🙂
sarahmumof3 says
I must do this with mine great caterpiller!
ScienceSparks says
Thanks xx
Mary\ says
Lovely idea! and tasty as well! love the way you've started teaching them science - never too young!!
Marta mama Nikusia says
Great 🙂
Lydia says
These are seriously cool- I love a fun way to get my littles interested in science. Very nice.
maggy, red ted art says
I love your caterpillar, it is sooo cute!
Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy & Alissa
Isil says
Oh my, this is absolutely lovely! Thanks for linking up to Kids Coop.
Carrie says
What a great lesson!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday! I hope you will share again this week with us!
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
Cute little caterpillar! And, of course, I love the science in it. 🙂
crystal@growingajeweledrose says
This is adorable! Thank you for linking this up with Tuesday Tots! I am featuring this this upcoming Tuesday 🙂
ScienceSparks says
oh thank you 🙂