WatercressNasturtium officinale

Watercress

Watercresses

1. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
2. Nasturtium nasturtium-aquaticum
3. Cardamine nasturtium-aquaticum
4. Nasturtium fontanum
5. Nasturtium siifolium
6. Nasturtium officinale var. vulgare
7. Nasturtium officinale var. insipidum
8. Nasturtium officinale var. parvifolium
9. Nasturtium officinale var. platyphyllum
10. Nasturtium officinale var. minor
11. Nasturtium officinale var. asarifolium
12. Nasturtium officinale var. praecox
13. Nasturtium officinale var. intermedium
14. Nasturtium officinale var. siifolium
15. Nasturtium officinale var. longisiliquum
16. Nasturtium officinale var. subasarifolium
17. Nasturtium officinale subsp. parvifolium
18. Nasturtium officinale subsp. rotundifolium
19. Nasturtium officinale f. subasarifolium
20. Nasturtium officinale f. microphyllum
21. Nasturtium officinale var. paucijugatum
22. Nasturtium officinale var. precosium
23. Nasturtium officinale var. parviflorum

1. Yellowcress

1. Nastrutium officinale

1. Watercress
2. Yellowcress
3. Nasturtium officinale

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Mustard family

1. Leaves
2. Shoots

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a fast-growing perennial plant native to moist areas and water banks. It is known for its pungent, peppery flavor and has been valued for centuries as a salad green and medicinal herb. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, nutrient-rich soil. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents premature bolting. Watercress is excellent for growing in beds, raised beds, or even in pots on the balcony, as long as sufficient moisture is provided. It is relatively easy to care for but can be susceptible to aphids and fungal diseases, especially with poor ventilation or waterlogging. Harvesting is continuous from spring to autumn.

1. TaskSow indoors

   Label

   Sow indoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow on windowsill or in greenhouse.

1. TaskSow indoors

   Label

   Sow indoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow on windowsill or in greenhouse.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionFrostfrei

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Direct sow once soil has warmed.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionFrostfrei

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Successive sowing for continuous harvest.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Successive sowing for continuous harvest.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Successive sowing for continuous harvest.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Late sowing for autumn harvest.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Last sowing for autumn harvest.

2. TaskPlant out

   Label

   Plant out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Set pre-grown plants outdoors.

1. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest regularly to encourage growth.

Sunny to partial shade, ideally near water.

1. full sun
2. partial shade

Prefers moist locations but can be grown in regular beds if well-watered. Avoid waterlogging.

1. loam
2. silt

1. medium
2. fine

Humus-rich, moist, and fertile soil is ideal. Tolerates loamy soils.

consistent_moisture

Soil should be kept consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.

1. organic
2. balanced

Moderate fertilization with organic fertilizer at the start of the growing season is sufficient. Compost is beneficial.

Suitable for companion planting, especially with vegetables that have similar moisture requirements.

Watercress is an annual plant that is not a heavy feeder. It should not be replanted in the same spot or after other brassicas for 3-4 years. Good preceding crops include legumes or root vegetables.

1. Sucking insects
2. Leaf-eating pests

1. Fungal diseases (leaf)
2. Soil-borne diseases

1. Site selection: Moist but well-drained.
2. Soil care: Fertile and loose.
3. Watering: Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging.
4. Plant health: Strong plants are more resistant.
5. Crop rotation: Do not plant after brassicas.
6. Cultural practices: Good ventilation, hygiene.

Observe specific symptoms like leaf holes, spots, or yellowing. Site conditions (moisture, pH) are often key to diagnosis.

1. Slugdowny_mildew

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor ventilation
   3. Wet foliage

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Good ventilation
   2. Plant spacing
   3. Avoid wetting foliage

   Organic control

   1. Copper-based sprays (sparingly)
   2. Remove infected parts
2. Slugroot_rot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Poor drainage
   3. Cool, damp soils

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Entire plant

   Prevention

   1. Ensure good drainage
   2. Loosen soil
   3. Avoid overwatering

   Organic control

   1. Soil improvement
   2. Remove infected plants

1. Symptom

   Small, round holes in leaves

   Possible causes

   1. flea_beetles

   First checks

   1. Check for small jumping beetles
   2. Check soil moisture
2. Symptom

   Yellowing of young leaves with green veins

   Possible causes

   1. iron_deficiency

   First checks

   1. Measure soil pH
   2. Check drainage
3. Symptom

   Wilting despite moist soil

   Possible causes

   1. root_rot

   First checks

   1. Inspect roots (mushy/rotten)
   2. Improve drainage

Diagnosing problems with watercress requires careful observation of symptoms such as leaf changes, growth disturbances, or the presence of pests. Site conditions (moisture, soil pH) are often crucial.

1. Germination: 7-14 days
2. Growth: Spring to Autumn
3. Flowering: Summer

Watercress grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times a year. Flowering is often triggered by heat stress or long days and should ideally be avoided to maintain leaf quality.

Regularly, every 2-4 weeks, to encourage new growth.

1. Young, tender leaves and shoots
2. Plant reaches a height of 15-20 cm

Wash and cool harvested parts immediately to preserve freshness. Do not store for too long.

Fresh vegetable

1-3 days in the refrigerator

1. Freezing (limited, texture suffers)
2. Drying (significant loss of quality, flavor suffers)

Leaves and young shoots are used fresh. They can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Also suitable for light steaming or as an ingredient in soups and smoothies.

Pungent, peppery, slightly spicy.

The characteristic peppery flavor pairs well with fatty foods like bacon or cheese. Avoid overcooking to preserve the aroma.

1. Leaves
2. Young shoots

1. Roots
2. Flower stalks (if plant bolts, taste becomes bitter)

Non-toxic. However, contains glucosinolates which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excessive amounts. Caution for individuals with thyroid conditions due to iodine content.

Well-suited as long as the plant is fresh and clean. Avoid water from unsafe sources.

Harvest seed pods when they are brown and dry. Seeds are small and require careful harvesting and drying. As watercress often grows near water, seed formation can be challenging to control.

Seeds can be separated from chaff by sieving or shaking.

Store dry, cool, and dark. Viability approx. 2-3 years.

Low, as it is mostly self-pollinating, but cross-pollination with other Nasturtium species is possible.

Watercress is not a woody plant and therefore has no specific details for woody varieties.

While watercress itself doesn't play a prominent role in the ecosystem, it can serve as a food source for certain insect larvae. Its presence in wetlands contributes to overall biodiversity.