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Watercress: complete guide
Nasturtium officinale
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Overview
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant from the Brassicaceae family, native to Europe and Central Asia. This nutritious plant is cultivated for its tasty, peppery leaves. Watercress is renowned for its high iodine content and vitamins.
Appearance and bloom
Watercress has thin, green stems with small, lobed leaves. The plant grows low, usually 20-50 cm tall. It blooms with small white or light pink flowers. The plant has creeping stems that readily form roots.
Ideal location
Watercress grows best in moist locations with full to partial sun. The plant prefers shade in hot summers. For optimal growth, choose a spot near running water.
Soil
Watercress thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil or even directly in water. The plant can grow both in ground and in water. For soil cultivation: use well-draining, organically rich soil. pH 6.5-7.5 is ideal.
Watering
Keep the soil always very moist, almost waterlogged. In water culture, place the plant directly in running or still water. Regular misting helps ensure sturdier leaves.
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Pruning
Regular picking of top leaves stimulates growth. Remove wilted leaves to prevent disease. The plant responds well to regular harvesting.
Maintenance calendar
Spring: Sow or plant from young material. Begin regular harvesting. Summer: Prepare for watering. Check for pests. Fall: Plant new batches. Winter: Growth slows. Sow for spring harvest.
Winter hardiness
Watercress is half-hardy and can survive mild winters. In temperate climates it grows best in spring and summer. Minimum temperatures should be above 0 degrees Celsius.
Companion plants
Watercress grows well alongside other water plants and moisture-lovers. Spinach and lettuce are good neighbors.
Closing
Watercress is an easy-to-grow nutritious vegetable perfect for gardeners wanting to harvest peppery, healthy leaves. With moist soil and regular care, this plant grows quickly. For more tips, visit gardenworld.app/en and gardenworld.app/nl.
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