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organic seeds Brassicaceae

Organic 'Watercress' Seeds

Name: Organic 'Watercress' Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Lepidium sativum

Product code : GAIAS-0215

Watercress is part of our organic seeds for Canada selection. Highly regarded for its flavour and nutritional value. Due to its preference for fertile soil and frequent irrigation, it requires more care when growing than other types of cress. Grows best in protected cultures or pots. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements. 'Watercress' seeds are presented here with Canadian seed starting and seasonal care guidance.

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Biennial

Common nameWatercress

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusLepidium

Speciessativum

Typeorganic seeds

Botanical nameLepidium sativum

Organic 'Watercress' Seeds (Lepidium sativum). Watercress is part of our organic seeds for Canada selection. Highly regarded for its flavour and nutritional value. Due to its preference for fertile soil and frequent irrigation, it requires more care when growing than other types of cress. Grows best in protected cultures or pots. Life cycle: biennial. Expected height: 15.2 to 30.5 cm (6 to 12 in). For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Soak in warm water up to 12 hours for improved germination. Direct sow as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or grow indoors year-round. Germinates in ~14 days at 7 °C. Requires 40 to 50 days to reach maturity but harvest can begin 15 days after sowing. Keep soil weed-free. Avoid growing in direct sun. Pinch to promote new foliage. 1/4 to 1/2 in direct 12 to 15 °C. Germination generally takes 7 to 21 days under the recommended conditions. Space plants 30.5 to 61 cm (12 to 24 in). Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Cut or pinch out cress tip as needed, cut-and-come-again. Begin cutting once 3 to 4 in high. Plants cut back to ½” will regrow quickly. Cress is tenderest at the early seed-leaf stage; harvest cress well before it matures. Sprouts can also be used. Mint, Lettuce, Bean, Pea, Chive. The packet contains 100 seeds.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

6 to 13 mm (1/4-1/2″) direct

Spacing / density

30 to 61 cm (12-24″)

Germination temperature

12-15°C

Germination time

Generally 7 to 21 days under the recommended conditions

Sowing period

Soak in warm water up to 12 hours for improved germination. Direct sow as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or grow indoors year-round. Germinates in ~14 days at 7 °C. Requires 40 to 50 days to reach maturity but harvest can begin 15 days after sowing. Keep soil weed-free. Avoid growing in direct sun. Pinch to promote new foliage.

Propagation

Seed propagation

Growing method

For Watercress, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Soak in warm water up to 12 hours for improved germination. Direct sow as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or grow indoors year-round. Germinates in ~14 days at 7 °C. Requires 40 to 50 days to reach maturity but harvest can begin 15 days after sowing. Keep soil weed-free. Avoid growing in direct sun. Pinch to promote new foliage. 1/4 to 1/2 in direct 12 to 15 °C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Moderate

Seasonal care

For Watercress, adjust seasonal care to the plant's actual growth cycle. Soak in warm water up to 12 hours for improved germination. Direct sow as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or grow indoors year-round. Germinates in ~14 days at 7 °C. Requires 40 to 50 days to reach maturity but harvest can begin 15 days after sowing. Keep soil weed-free. Avoid growing in direct sun. Pinch to promote new foliage. 1/4 to 1/2 in direct 12 to 15 °C Cut or pinch out cress tip as needed, cut-and-come-again. Begin cutting once 3 to 4 in high. Plants cut back to ½” will regrow quickly. Cress is tenderest at the early seed-leaf stage; harvest cress well before it matures. Sprouts can also be used. Mint, Lettuce, Bean, Pea, Chive. The packet contains 100 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Growing Watercress in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

15 to 30 cm (6-12″)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright to bushy

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Plants to avoid

Brassica, Strawberry.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How many 'Watercress' seeds are in the packet?

For Watercress, the packet information states: Approximately 100 seeds · lot GO22096 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements.

How should I start 'Watercress' seeds in Canada?

For Watercress, follow the detailed sowing schedule in the product record. The recommended method is sowing from seed, at a depth of 6 to 13 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in) when direct-sown. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Watercress' seeds take to germinate?

For Watercress, the stated germination period is generally 7 to 21 days under the recommended conditions, at a germination temperature of 12 to 15 °C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Watercress' in the garden?

For Watercress, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 30 to 61 cm (12-24″). For container growing, the product record recommends: 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Place plants where their growth can be observed and stress can be addressed early.

When and how should I harvest 'Watercress'?

For Watercress, observe seasonal development and use the period of interest stated in the product record as a guide for enjoying the plant in the garden. No part should be eaten without explicit confirmation that it is edible for the exact species. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.