Watercress

Nasturtium officinale

Product code : WESTO-0297

Watercress is a watercress cultivar selected for home food or ornamental gardens. It prefers sun to partial shade and fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil. Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist. Sow about 6 mm deep. Allow About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm. Very high water requirement; never allow to dry. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Use clean tools for harvest and remove damaged plant material when it appears.
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Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial often grown as an annual

Discover the plant

Common nameWatercress
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusNasturtium
Speciesofficinale
Typecress
Botanical nameNasturtium officinale
Heirloom varietyYes

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) Watercress forms dense growth of glossy, dark green leaves with a crisp texture and a fresh, peppery flavour. Young shoots can be harvested regularly when moisture remains consistently available. It is a clearly identified watercress cultivar for gardeners who value dependable sowing information and a well-labelled crop. Its botanical identity is Nasturtium officinale. Plan this variety for a home vegetable plot, raised bed, or suitable container, according to its mature size and growing requirements. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level.

Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist. Sow about 6 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Allow About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm. Provide sun to partial shade and avoid standing water. Thin crowded seedlings early and harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients.

Watercress is grown for the edible portions normally harvested from this type of crop. Pick only healthy produce at the appropriate stage, handle it carefully, and rinse it according to the intended preparation. Maintain very high water requirement; never allow to dry. Keep the planting accessible for observation, watering, harvest, or grooming. Use clean tools, remove damaged material, and store unused seed in a cool, dry, dark location. Choose compatible neighbouring plants and maintain enough room for air circulation. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level.

Illustration associée à Cresson de fontaine, dans la gamme Weston. Le cresson de fontaine apprécie un milieu constamment humide; sa culture demande une eau propre, renouvelée, et non un prélèvement dans un ruisseau. Le visuel permet de repérer la référence et l’aspect présenté pour cette sélection. Les dimensions et les couleurs observées au jardin dépendent du stade de croissance et des conditions de culture.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

6 mm

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Prepare a clean seedbed or containers with fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil. Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist. Sow about 6 mm deep unless the packet gives a more specific direction. Use the following spacing as the crop develops: About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm. Keep the medium evenly moist during emergence without leaving it saturated. Provide sun to partial shade and good air movement. Thin crowded seedlings early so the remaining plants develop without unnecessary competition. Harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting them outdoors after the appropriate frost date. Very high water requirement; never allow to dry. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Use clean tools for harvest and remove damaged plant material when it appears. Always follow the packet information when a variety-specific direction differs from general guidance. A simple garden label makes the cultivar easy to identify from sowing through harvest or flowering. Check young plants frequently because small moisture or pest problems are easier to address early.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Watering

Very high water requirement; never allow to dry. Check moisture at soil level instead of watering only by schedule. Water gently during germination so seeds are not displaced, then direct irrigation toward the root zone. Avoid standing water and adjust frequency after rain. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level.

Soil type

Watercress performs best in fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil. Loosen compacted ground before sowing and remove large stones or persistent weeds. Mature compost may improve poor soil, but avoid creating a heavy or waterlogged seedbed. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients.

Fertilization

Prepare the soil with mature compost when fertility is low. A light, balanced fertilizer may be used according to its label, but excessive feeding can cause weak or unbalanced growth. Observe leaf colour and plant development before adding more nutrients. Water after any application. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level.

Moisture

Constantly wet; clean water

Seasonal care

At sowing time, prepare fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil and follow this timing: Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist. Keep the surface moist until emergence, label the row, and thin seedlings according to the recommended spacing. During active growth, provide sun to partial shade and monitor soil moisture, weeds, and leaf condition. Very high water requirement; never allow to dry. In warm or windy weather, check containers and exposed beds more frequently. Remove damaged material and keep enough space for air circulation. At harvest or after flowering, use clean tools and clear unhealthy debris. Healthy residue may be composted where appropriate. At the end of the season, clean containers and tools, record useful observations, and store remaining seed in a cool, dry, dark place. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Use clean tools for harvest and remove damaged plant material when it appears. Always follow the packet information when a variety-specific direction differs from general guidance. A simple garden label makes the cultivar easy to identify from sowing through harvest or flowering. Check young plants frequently because small moisture or pest problems are easier to address early. Avoid standing water around the roots, even when the crop prefers steady moisture.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Dedicated container for keeping a clean, damp medium
A container reserved for watercress allows you to manage its water needs without saturating the pots of other herbs; keep harvested stems above the clean support. Watercress requires a constantly moist environment with clean water. Grow it in a controlled setup, without using water from a ditch or stream exposed to animals; cut shoots above the support and rinse the harvest. Watercress requires a constantly moist support supplied with clean water, in a controlled and easy-to-clean setup. Renew the clean water according to the setup and keep the environment moist; do not use surface water potentially contaminated by animals. Measured fertilization respects the development of herbs better than an accumulation of products; follow the starting substrate and the doses on the instructions. Install watercress near a source of drinking water with easy access for cleaning; its need for humidity requires separate management from dry-environment herbs. Harvest with a clean tool and leave growth points; take several small portions instead of completely stripping a young plant. As cold weather approaches, harvest or protect according to the species; not all herbs share the same ability to overwinter in Quebec. Watercress appreciates a constantly moist environment; its cultivation requires clean, renewed water, and not water taken from a stream.
Illustration associée à Cresson de fontaine, dans la gamme Weston. Le cresson de fontaine apprécie un milieu constamment humide; sa culture demande une eau propre, renouvelée, et non un prélèvement dans un ruisseau. Le visuel permet de repérer la référence et l’aspect présenté pour cette sélection. Les dimensions et les couleurs observées au jardin dépendent du stade de croissance et des conditions de culture.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

3–4 in (8–10 cm)

Width / spread

91 to 122 cm (36–48 in.)

Days to maturity

80 to 100 days — supplier milestone

Harvest

Watercress requires a consistently moist environment with clean water.
Illustration associée à Cresson de fontaine, dans la gamme Weston. Le cresson de fontaine apprécie un milieu constamment humide; sa culture demande une eau propre, renouvelée, et non un prélèvement dans un ruisseau. Le visuel permet de repérer la référence et l’aspect présenté pour cette sélection. Les dimensions et les couleurs observées au jardin dépendent du stade de croissance et des conditions de culture.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Group aromatics with compatible needs in the same area, but keep mint in a separate pot and dry-loving herbs distinct from those that require more water. Install watercress near a potable water source with easy access for cleaning; its need for humidity requires separate management from dry-loving herbs. A container reserved for watercress allows you to manage its water needs without saturating the pots of other aromatics; keep harvested stems above the clean support. Watercress requires a constantly moist support supplied with clean water, in a controlled and easy-to-clean setup. Replenish with clean water according to the setup and keep the environment moist; do not use surface water potentially contaminated by animals.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Leaves and young shoots
For four servings of watercress soup, you will need 150 g (5 oz) of watercress from a controlled cultivation, 300 g (10 oz) of potatoes, one small onion, 750 ml (3 cups) of broth, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) of oil. Rinse the watercress with potable water and remove any tough stems. Peel the potatoes if necessary and cut them into small cubes. Sauté the chopped onion in the oil, add the potatoes and broth, then simmer until tender. Stir in the watercress and continue cooking until the leaves and young stems are well cooked. Carefully blend, without overfilling an appliance with hot liquid. Adjust seasoning after tasting the soup and serve hot. This recipe is not suitable for wild-harvested watercress from water of uncertain quality. Promptly cool any leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate for early consumption.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How should Watercress be sown?
Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist. Prepare fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil. Sow about 6 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without saturating it. Label the row and provide sun to partial shade. Thin crowded seedlings so the final spacing follows this guidance: About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm. If plants are started indoors, provide strong light and harden them gradually before transplanting outdoors at the appropriate time. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation.
Which location is best for Watercress?
Watercress prefers sun to partial shade and fertile, humus-rich, well-limed soil. Choose a location that leaves enough room for About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm. Avoid low spots where water remains after rain. In a container, use drainage holes and a clean growing mix. Observe how light moves across the space during the day, especially near buildings or taller plants. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients.
How should Watercress be watered?
Very high water requirement; never allow to dry. During germination, use a gentle spray or careful watering so seed is not displaced. After establishment, water at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Adjust frequency to rainfall, heat, wind, soil texture, and container size. Avoid standing water because roots still require oxygen. Morning watering can help foliage dry normally during the day. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients.
What maintenance does Watercress need?
Keep the planting labelled, weeded, and appropriately spaced. Check young plants regularly for wilting, chewing damage, discolouration, or crowding. Provide sun to partial shade and maintain the moisture pattern described for the crop. Use clean tools, avoid deep cultivation near established roots, and remove unhealthy debris. Apply any fertilizer or pest-control product only according to its label. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Use clean tools for harvest and remove damaged plant material when it appears.
When should Watercress be harvested?
Harvest Watercress when the edible part reaches the stage described for the cultivar or on the packet. Pick during the cooler part of the day when practical and use clean tools. Remove damaged portions, rinse according to the intended preparation, and cool perishable produce promptly. Regular picking may extend production for crops that continue forming leaves, pods, or fruit. Stop using any plant material that appears spoiled or unidentified. For best results, label the row and observe the plants regularly as conditions change through the season. Adjust watering to rainfall, wind, container size, and the actual moisture at soil level. Good air circulation and adequate spacing help foliage dry normally after rain or irrigation. Keep the growing area free of weeds that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients.