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vegetablePerennialEdible
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Also known as: cress, water cress
Peppery aquatic green thriving in shallow running water or consistently wet soil. Nutrient-dense superfood. Spreads by runners.
Growing Requirements
SunPart Shade
WaterHigh
Soil Type
Soil DrainagePoor
Soil pH
Plant Spacing4–6″
Row Spacing8–12″
Planting Depth—
Height4–8″
Spread6–12″
✓ Container Friendly✓ Raised Bed Friendly
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
4–6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
0–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
2–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
7–14 days
Days to Harvest
30–50 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Zones 3–11
Can overwinter in appropriate zones
Perennial in zones 3–11
Requires consistently wet soil or shallow running water. Grow in a tray set in water. Harvest outer leaves regularly.
Companion Plants
No companion data available for this plant yet.