Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) is a perennial leafy vegetable that is native to large parts of Europe and Asia. Watercress can also be grown in water or soil and is a fast growing and heavy producer of mildly spicy leaves that make a great substitute for Spinach.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Nasturtium officinale is also sometimes called Yellowcress and is a close relative to similar leafy vegetables such as Garden Cress, Mustards, Radish and Wasabi.
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Growth
Nasturtium officinale is a perennial aquatic plant that grows to a maximum height of around 50cm metres (20 inches) by 40cm (16 inches). Watercress is a rapid grower and can become invasive if allowed too much freedom. When grown in containers and protected from harsh sun or frost, Watercress can produce a regular supply of leafy spinach-like salad leaves.
If Watercress is exposed to cold temperatures below 5°C / 41°F the plant can become dormant and retreat until the warmer weather returns. Plants can also suffer heavy damage and can die from being exposed to harsh sunlight.
In ideal climates, it takes around 50-60 days to harvest leaves from Watercress.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-25°C / 41-77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Part-Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees, Hoverflies and Flies.
MATURITY:
50-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 10-15°C / 50-62°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE (Watercress)
Nasturtium officinale is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables to ever be consumed by humans and is well recorded in historical accounts.
Watercress was first commercially cultivated in the United Kingdom in 1808 by William Bradbery in Kent.
Nutritionally, Watercress is high in Vitamin K and is a good source of Vitamins C, A and Calcium.
The Ancient Romans believed eating Watercress would cure mental illness, while some Native Americans used it to treat kidney illnesses and constipation.
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