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cress
Brassicaceae
Watercress Seeds
Nasturtium officinale
Product code : WESTO-0297
Watercress produces glossy, dark green leaves with a crisp texture and a fresh, peppery flavour. Harvest young shoots regularly when the growing conditions remain suitable. Maintain constant moisture with clean water and avoid allowing the roots to dry out.
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Perennial often grown as an annual
Discover the plant
Common nameWatercress
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusNasturtium
Speciesofficinale
CultivarWatercress
Typecress
Botanical nameNasturtium officinale
Watercress Seeds (Nasturtium officinale) Watercress produces glossy, dark green leaves with a crisp texture and a fresh, peppery flavour. Harvest young shoots regularly when the growing conditions remain suitable.
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.
Maintain constant moisture with clean water and avoid allowing the roots to dry out. Harvest young, healthy leafy shoots while they remain crisp.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
6 mm
Spacing / density
About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm
Sowing period
Direct sow or start indoors; keep the medium constantly moist
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.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
About 7.0
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.
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.
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.
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.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
A dedicated watercress container lets you manage its water needs without saturating neighbouring pots.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
8 to 10 cm (3–4 in)
Width / spread
91 to 122 cm (36–48 in)
Harvest
Harvest young, healthy leafy shoots while they remain crisp.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Group herbs with compatible needs in the same area, while keeping mint in its own container.
Other recommended plants
Spearmint; Oat Cat Grass; Wheatgrass Sprouting
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.
Where should I grow Watercress?
Light: Sun to partial shade. Watercress needs a continuously moist growing medium supplied with clean water. Light: Sun to partial shade. 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.
How should I water Watercress?
Refresh clean water as required by the setup and keep the growing medium moist. 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.
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.
When should I harvest Watercress?
Harvest young, healthy leafy shoots while they remain crisp. Maintain constant moisture with clean water and avoid allowing the roots to dry out.
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The right extras.Right here.
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