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.
Sale
Sold out
cress
Brassicaceae
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Nasturtium officinale
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.
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Discover the plant
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Nasturtium
Species
officinale
Cultivar
Watercress
Type
cress
Cycle
Perennial often grown as an annual
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.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
6 mm
Spacing / density
About 1.3 cm at sowing, then thin to 10 cm
Best planting time
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. 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 conditions.
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
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. 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.
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.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Watercress can be used for the edible parts normally harvested from watercress. Pick only healthy material at the appropriate stage, rinse it according to the intended preparation, and use it while fresh. The cultivar can contribute colour, texture, flavour, or a useful harvest to everyday garden meals. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
