Cress – Watercress

Cress – Watercress

• Growing Temp 50°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: Watercress is a semi-aquatic herb known for its mildly peppery, tender leaves, which are highly nutritious and rich in vitamins A and C. It can be moderately challenging to grow as it requires very moist soil or a nearby water source. Watercress is commonly used fresh in salads, sandwiches, and soups, where its sharp flavor enhances the taste of other ingredients.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant watercress seeds outdoors in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool. Choose a consistently moist or shallow water area for best results. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Germination generally occurs within 5–10 days. Keep the soil saturated or lightly submerged to mimic the natural growing conditions of watercress.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start early, sow watercress seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Use seedling trays filled with a quality potting mix and ensure consistent moisture. Maintain a temperature of around 60°F. Once seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves and the frost has passed, transplant them to a wet area outdoors or a container that retains moisture well, spacing about 6 inches apart.

Harvesting: To determine when watercress is ready for harvest, look for lush, green leaves that are 4–6 inches long, typically ready within 50-60 days. Begin harvesting the outer leaves to encourage ongoing growth. Regularly harvesting watercress keeps it from becoming too tall and enhances its flavor, as the plant’s leaves are best when young and tender.