Watercress

This is true Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), a fast-growing perennial in the mustard family. Easy to grow and produces small, succulent leaves with tiny white edible flowers. A nutritionally dense, dark leafy green that’s great for a peppery snap in salads, wraps, and soups. As the name implies, this plant loves water, so keep the soil wet. Good for containers and hydroponic gardens.

• Spicy and succulent
• Prefers wet soil
• Good for containers
• Good for hydroponics

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Nasturtium officinale
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Hardiness zones: 5-11
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 50-60 days
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4″ deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 5-15 days
• Germination soil temps: 50F-60F
• Spacing between plants: 8″-12″ apart
• Spacing between rows: 18″-24″ apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Clay, sandy, loamy, chalky, rich, wet, poorly drained
• Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Water needs: High – keep soil saturated
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: No
• Heat tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: No
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes

Watercress is a leafy green known for its health properties.

• Grows well in containers
• Hardy to wet soil
• Produces small, succulent leaves
• Rapidly growing, perennial plant native to Europe and Asia
• High in Vitamins A and C