Watercress, which are known botanically as Nasturtium officinale, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing watercress as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
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Best Time to Plant Watercress
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the watercress seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when watercress are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Watercress the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing watercress in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your watercress grow. Generally, your soil should be consistently moist and nutrient-rich. Soil PH levels should be around 6.5 to 7.5.
1″ apart in rows 18″ apart. 0.5″ apart in rows 12″ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 4-6″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your watercress seedlings thin to 4-6″ apart when seedlings are 1-2″ tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Watercress
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your watercress. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your watercress should be getting full sun to partial shade
How Much to Water Watercress
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your watercress do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your watercress begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Watercress to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your watercress grow.
It takes approximately 4-8 days to germinate, and a total of 50-60 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Watercress
The best time to harvest your watercress is when leaves are large enough to harvest and before they become too bitter.
Watercress can grow up to about 4-6″ tall.
What Can Watercress Be Used For?
Food Use: great for salads, sandwiches, and cooking.
Flavor Profile: peppery and crisp.
Can Watercress Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you can plant multiple plants in a container with at least 4″ of water. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your watercress around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Watercress Safe for Bees?
Yes, watercress are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing watercress is bee-friendly.
