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Organic Watercress Seeds

Nasturtium officinale

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Start the watercress seed indoors, pressing the seed into the surface of the soil in a germination tray. Make sure the tray has drainage holes, and place it in another container filled with 2-3" of water. Maintain the depth until germination, which usually occurs within 7-14 days. Transplant the seedlings to a stream or very wet area as soon as they can be safely handled.

Growing: Make sure the seedlings have constantly saturated soil; the plants can be immersed up to the tips of their leaves. These aquatic plants prefer cold, slowly flowing fresh water; for healthiest growth, they also need rich soil. This plant makes an excellent addition to marshy areas or water gardens; it can also be grown in containers with adequate moisture.

Harvesting: Begin to harvest the fresh leaves after 45-50 days of growth. Cut about 6" down from the tips. Use the leaves as soon as possible, since they do not store well. Continue to harvest only until the plant begins to produce flowers, since this makes the leaves bitter.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, the plant will produce long curved seed pods. Gather the pods as soon as they begin to turn color and the seeds inside have turned brown. Spread the pods out to dry, then crush them and separate the seeds from the pods. Store the watercress seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Nasturtium officinale

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 20,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~200 Seeds) $3.96 -+
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $7.96 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $14.00 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~20,000 Seeds) $40.00 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $160.00 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $600.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This flavorful peppery Nasturtium plant has a history of being one of the most ancient leaf vegetables known to man and contains many valuable vitamins and minerals. In the UK, watercress was often served in a traditional sandwich at high tea; and commercial growers still produce this plant in the southern part of Great Britain.


HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Start the watercress seed indoors, pressing the seed into the surface of the soil in a germination tray. Make sure the tray has drainage holes, and place it in another container filled with 2-3" of water. Maintain the depth until germination, which usually occurs within 7-14 days. Transplant the seedlings to a stream or very wet area as soon as they can be safely handled.

Growing: Make sure the seedlings have constantly saturated soil; the plants can be immersed up to the tips of their leaves. These aquatic plants prefer cold, slowly flowing fresh water; for healthiest growth, they also need rich soil. This plant makes an excellent addition to marshy areas or water gardens; it can also be grown in containers with adequate moisture.

Harvesting: Begin to harvest the fresh leaves after 45-50 days of growth. Cut about 6" down from the tips. Use the leaves as soon as possible, since they do not store well. Continue to harvest only until the plant begins to produce flowers, since this makes the leaves bitter.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, the plant will produce long curved seed pods. Gather the pods as soon as they begin to turn color and the seeds inside have turned brown. Spread the pods out to dry, then crush them and separate the seeds from the pods. Store the watercress seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Nasturtium officinale

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 20,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer