Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Family: Brassicaceae
Watercress grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich soil or shallow clean moving water. Water needs: Very high; requires constant moisture.
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How to Grow Watercress
Watercress growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Rich soil or shallow clean moving water with a soil pH of 6.5-7.5, and Very high; requires constant moisture water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Watercress as 7-14 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow or barely cover. Days to maturity are listed as 40-60 days.
Plant Overview
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is listed in the Brassicaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0144
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Watercress is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as very high; requires constant moisture. The database soil reference is Rich soil or shallow clean moving water. The listed soil pH range is 6.5-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 3-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Rich soil or shallow clean moving water
- Soil pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Water needs
- Very high; requires constant moisture
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 7-14 days and the seed depth is Surface sow or barely cover. The listed time to maturity is 40-60 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 7-14 days
- Seed depth
- Surface sow or barely cover
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 40-60 days
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.