Grow this ancient, leafy plant known as Watercress, from freshly harvested Nasturtium officinale herb seeds. Watercress is an aquatic, or semi-aquatic plant that establishes itself in shallow bodies of water, such as ponds, streams and on the edge of rivers. They are known to grow to a mature height of roughly 18 to 24 inches tall, producing delicious green leaves. The leaves are rounded and the stems are hollow. Both are edible when harvested, and can be added to salads as a Spinach alternative. You might consider harvesting the leaves prior to flowering as they hold the best flavor when young.
Watercress is categorized as an annual herb / vegetable. Annuals will establish themselves in a single growing season, producing stems, leaves and flowers prior to wilting away during the first killing frost. The plants can produce seeds within the final weeks of Fall, allowing you to store them away for the following season.
Watercress carries the Latin name Nasturtium, which should not be confused with the flowering variety Tropaeolum, which is an entirely different species. Nasturtium and Watercress do however offer something in common. Both plants will produce a peppery like flavor when consumed.
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green Leaves
- Height: 18" - 24" Tall
- Width: 12" Spread
- Harvest: 7 to 10 Days (Baby) 60 Days (Fully Grown)
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Partial Shade
SOWING THE SEED
Watercress seeds can be established directly outdoors, or indoors as well. If started indoors, start in peat pots, or starter trays, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a shallow depth of 1/16" under topsoil. Mist the seeds and soil so that it is well saturated, continually watering them through their lifespan. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Watercress is a cool weather crop / plant. They prefer an area that's shaded from direct sunlight, with temperatures averaging around 55F to 75F. The soil, as explained prior, will need to be saturated fairly often, since the plants will naturally establish themselves in shallow streams and other small bodies of water. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, but also well drained. Adding a light compost the any areas that consist of hard, compact soil, can increase your drainage.
GERMINATION & GROWTH
Watercress will typically germinate within the first 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will grow to an average height of roughly 18 to 24 inches tall, but are best harvested when young. Each plant can be spaced about 6 inches apart from one another. Enjoy the delicious green leaves and hollow stems in salads, as a Spinach alternative.
Front Side
Seed packets by Seed Needs are beautifully illustrated and provide a colorful depiction of the variety inside. We provide the common name, as well as the scientific name, seed quantity and a few specs about the variety to be grown.
Back Side
Each packet contains full growing instructions on the reverse side. Specifications on sowing the seed, growing conditions such as sunlight and moisture preferences and germination and growth information can be found as well. We also provide a QR to scan for easy reordering.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
Always fresh and intended for the current and following growing seasons. Seeds are packaged in water resistant / tear resistant packaging.
Heirlooms are varieties that have been purposely bred, selected and passed down from generation to generation. They are wholesome picks that will breed true to the parent seed every time.
Seed Needs never knowingly purchases treated seeds products. We also do not treat any of our seed products with substances such as neonicotinoid or thyram.
Seed Needs promises to never knowingly purchase or supply genetically modified seed products. We take the Safe Seed Pledge!
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