Watercress is fast growing, it is a leafy green and although it naturally gros in water it is also easy to grow in soil.
If you like the fresh crunchy taste, you may be asking how to grow watercress in the home garden. It is fairly simple, its fast growing and you can grow watercress in containers.
As the name suggests, Watercress is an aquatic plant. It is grown for the leaves which are used in salads, sandwiches, stews, stir fries and soups. The leaves have a crunchy texture and a slightly peppery flavour. You can also use watercress to make a soup.
How to Grow Watercress in the home garden.
Naturally watercress would be found growing at the sides of a stream, constant moisture and clean water. However you may not be lucky enough to have a stream, you can still grow watercress at home.
You can grow watercress from seed or from root division. It is a plant that requires constant moisture so you will need to have a container, pond or water feature to grow it successfully.
When to plant watercress
The best time to grow watercress is in late summer to autumn or in early spring. Avoid the heat of mid summer and the cold of mid winter. Also avoid planting outdoors if there is a danger of frosts.
You can plant all year round, however growth in winter will be determined by the climate, in cold climates growth will be poor.
Easy Method For Growing Watercress
- A simple trough that will hold 10cm of water is enough to get you started.
- You can plant the seedlings or root divisions in pots and then sit the pots in the container.
- This allows for constant moisture, and also it makes it easy to refresh the water twice a week.
- Watercress does not grow well in stagnant water, so refreshing the water often will help with this.
You can also grow watercress in a container in potting soil, however you will need to water every day, maybe twice a day in summer.
Seed Planting
Watercress seeds are best planted around .5cm deep, say 1/4 inch. Plant sequentially every 2 – 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Sun/Light requirements
Best grown in a position where the plants will get some good morning sun, however with protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Fertiliser Requirements
For good growth a liquid fertiliser every week, use an organic type fertiliser suited to potted plants.
Soil
Any good quality potting mix should be adequate with a slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Ideal daytime temperature is around 15 – 24°C (60 -75°F) Temperatures above this tend to make the plant bolt, or go to seed. Frost and very cold night-time temperatures need to be avoided.
Watercress Summary Information.
- Watercress is best grown in cooler seasons, or in a cool position.
- Plant it in the shady area in the margins of a pond, or in a container.
- Grow Watercress from seed or from root division of established plants.
- Harvest as required by cutting the leaves.
- The young leaves are the best.
How To Harvest Watercress.
You can pick the leaves as needed, use a sharp pair of scissors to snip them off.
It is best to harvest watercress and use it immediately, it does not store well.You can keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days at a maximum. This is why we suggest planting sequentially.
Try to not let the plants go to flower, once this happens the leaves become bitter.
Can You Freeze Watercress?
You can freeze watercress however it is not recommended as when you thaw it out is will turn into a soft slushy mess.