A Harvested Watercress Plant
Watercress plants, known as Nasturtium officinale, are a semi-aquatic species of plant related to the mustard plant. The species is native to Europe and central Asia, and is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by human beings. The leaves appear similar to lettuce but have a very pleasant peppery flavor enjoyed in sandwiches and salads, though after its flower buds appear the leaves become too rank in flavor to be edible. This plant is best cultivated hydroponically, and due to the ease of care this is feasible both on a personal or business scale. Here is a guide detailing grow your own Watercress plants.
Instructions
1. Begin planting your seeds in late autumn. Mix equal measures of limestone grit, gardening soil and organic compost into your pots. The limestone is present because watercress grows better in slightly alkaline conditions. Push a few seeds an inch deep into each pot. Fill a high-sided pan with water and place the pots into the pan. Use a hammer and screwdriver to punch holes into the sides of each pot well below the waterline.
2. Place the tray with the pots in an area with partial sunlight. Watercress is not bothered by extremes of heat or cold, so place them somewhere outside if you prefer. The most important thing is to ensure that the soil stays soaked at all times. Avoid fungal and mold infestations by replacing the water in the tray daily.
3. Begin transplanting the watercress to a permanent spot in late February or early March. In any part of the country that is particularly marshy, always wet or muddy or has a very high water table, you should be able to plant them directly in the soil provided it’s a low part of the garden or yard. Ideally, a shallow river or stream exists on your property where you can plant the watercress, and for the purposes of this guide that is what we will do. Dig a few holes in the sides of the streambed, making sure the holes are always submerged by a few inches of water. Make sure the holes are roughly a foot apart because the watercress will spread out its leaves as it grows.
4. Break the pots free of the watercress. The roots of this species are very tenacious, so you may have to use your hammer to break the pots apart. Place each watercress plant in a separate hole, making sure to seat the roots well and keeping them level with the surface of the ground. When planted, the leaves of your watercress should be above the water, floating atop it.
5. Harvest watercress leaves as they are needed from this point onward into early summer. You will have to wait for late fall if you wish to harvest any more as the leaves become inedible once the plant’s flowers have bloomed.
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