Watercress Seeds - Nasturtium Officinale, 20 seeds

Quantity: 20 Seeds / pack

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a cool-season, semi-aquatic leafy vegetable grown for its small, peppery leaves. It grows naturally along slow-moving streams and does best in constantly moist soil, making it a good fit for containers set in a water-filled saucer. Harvested young, its crisp leaves add a peppery bite to salads and sandwiches.

Seed Information

• Type: Vegetable Seeds
• Common Name: Watercress
• Botanical Name: Nasturtium officinale
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Keep soil constantly moist; never let it dry out
• Growth Habit: 6-10 inches tall with a 6-8 inch spread
• Soil Type: Moist, fertile, moisture-retentive soil
• Planting Time: Sow about 3 weeks before the last frost date

Growing Instructions

• When to Plant: Sow about 3 weeks before the frost-free date for your area; in mild climates, a fall sowing also works.
• Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive soil amended with compost. Containers can be set in a saucer of water to keep roots wet.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; in hot climates, morning sun with afternoon shade works best.
• Watering: The key to watercress - keep the soil consistently moist at all times; it must never dry out.
• Spacing: Space plants about 8 inches apart.
• Germination: The seeds are tiny - broadcast them over the surface and press in lightly. Germination takes 5-14 days at 50-60°F (10-15°C).
• Harvest: Cut young leaves about 30 days after sowing, leaving some foliage so plants regrow; mature leaves can be picked around 60 days.
• Tips: Mulch around plants to hold moisture and keep weeds down. Harvest often to encourage fresh, tender growth.