{"id":1027,"date":"2023-05-03T15:20:33","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T22:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1027"},"modified":"2023-06-27T12:09:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:09:19","slug":"how-to-grow-watercress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Watercress &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Watercress.png\" alt=\"watercress plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nWatercress, which are known botanically as Nasturtium officinale, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing watercress as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Watercress\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Watercress\">Best Time to Plant Watercress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#How_to_Plant_Watercress_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Watercress the Right Way\">How to Plant Watercress the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Watercress\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Watercress\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Watercress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#How_Much_to_Water_Watercress\" title=\"How Much to Water Watercress\">How Much to Water Watercress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Watercress_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Watercress to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Watercress to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#When_to_Harvest_Watercress\" title=\"When to Harvest Watercress\">When to Harvest Watercress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#What_Can_Watercress_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Watercress Be Used For?\">What Can Watercress Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#Can_Watercress_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Watercress Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Watercress Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-watercress\/#Are_Watercress_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Watercress Safe for Bees?\">Are Watercress Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Watercress\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Watercress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the watercress seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when watercress are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Watercress_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Watercress the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing watercress in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your watercress grow. Generally, your soil should be consistently moist and nutrient-rich. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.5 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>1&#8243; apart in rows 18&#8243; apart. 0.5&#8243; apart in rows 12&#8243; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 4-6&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your watercress seedlings thin to 4-6&#8243; apart when seedlings are 1-2&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Watercress\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Watercress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your watercress. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your watercress should be getting full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Watercress\"><\/span>How Much to Water Watercress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your watercress do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your watercress begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Watercress_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Watercress to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your watercress grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 4-8 days to germinate, and a total of 50-60 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Watercress\"><\/span>When to Harvest Watercress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your watercress is when leaves are large enough to harvest and before they become too bitter.<\/p>\n<p>Watercress can grow up to about 4-6&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Watercress_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Watercress Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for salads, sandwiches, and cooking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> peppery and crisp.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Watercress_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Watercress Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant multiple plants in a container with at least 4&#8243; of water. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your watercress around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Watercress_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Watercress Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, watercress are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing watercress is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Watercress, which are known botanically as Nasturtium officinale, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing watercress as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Watercress This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the watercress seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when watercress are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":995,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,196],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1027"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1161,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027\/revisions\/1161"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}