About...(Nasturtium Officinale) - Watercress seeds are grown for both a culinary as well as a medicinal herb. It is a succulent, leafy plant that thrives in marshes, bogs and water gardens. The lobed leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. They have a pungent flavor and are crisp.
MORE HERB OPTIONS
5 - 11
12 - 24 inches
Late spring to mid summer
Varying soil types as long as they are saturated, pH 6.5 - 7.5
Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) - Watercress seeds are grown for both a culinary and medicinal herb. It is a succulent, leafy plant that thrives in marshes, bogs and water gardens. The lobed leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. They have a pungent flavor and are crisp. It needs to be harvested before the buds appear as the leaves turn bitter after flowering. It is a fast-growing plant that prefers partial shade.
Bright white blooms
Watercress produces white flowers in mid-summer which are very attractive to bees and the plants are highly ornamental in home ponds.
Herb seed | watercress
How to grow
How To Grow Watercress From Seed: Start seeds for an indoor herb garden. Place the containers in a tray of water and keep the water constantly supplied. Fluorescent lamps or growing lights are needed. The seeds can be started indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost and then transplanted outdoors. The ideal setting is along a pond or stream bank.
- Sowing Rate: 15 - 20 seeds per plant
- Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days
- Keep moist until germination
- Attracts bees and birds
- Depth: 1/4 inch
As a medicinal herb, it has long been used to treat sore throats and sinus congestion. It is very rich in vitamins and minerals and in alternative medicine, it is used for a wide variety of ailments. Some other common names that watercress is called are: water rocket, water radish, and hedge mustard. It is in the mustard family.
- Height: 12 - 24 inches
- USDA Zones: 5 - 11
- Season: Perennial