Description

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a nutrient-packed herb with a peppery, pungent flavor, known for its high content of vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and calcium. This ancient plant has been celebrated for its medicinal and antioxidant properties. Thriving in moist, partly shady environments, watercress can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 6–9 or indoors in containers, making it a versatile addition to any garden or home. Typically reaching 10″–14″ in height, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a health-boosting herb with a distinctive flavor.

320 seeds.

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Nasturtium officinale
Family: Brassicaceae
Native: Uncertain
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 6–9, otherwise grown as an annual
Plant Dimensions: 10″–14″ tall
Variety Information: Small, roundish, light green leaves with a peppery, pungent flavor and scent.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Attributes: Good for Containers

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 50°–60°F.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. When growing indoors, keep continually moist.
Days to Emerge: 5–15 days
Seed Depth: ¼”
Seed Spacing: 1″
Row Spacing: 6″
Thinning: When 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 4″

Growing Info:

Harvesting: When plants are 4″–6″ tall, clip sprigs off the top; the tips are the sweetest, most tender part of the plant. In mild climates, harvest during the cooler parts of the year.