How to Grow Watercress
To grow watercress, follow these steps:
- Purchase the Right Seeds:
- Choose between common watercress seeds or wild Italian watercress seeds.
- Common seeds are preferred for retaining their flavor, especially if cooking is intended.
- Select the Best Time for Planting:
- Sow the seeds in early spring or fall when the weather is most suitable for watercress growth.
- Prepare a Planting Container:
- Use a container with multiple cells and drainage holes.
- Fill the cells with light organic soil mixed with fertilizer.
- Sow the Seeds:
- Place one or two seeds in each cell and cover them lightly with soil.
- Ensure the seeds are buried about 6.5 millimeters below the soil surface.
- Watering:
- Water the seeds every other day or whenever the soil surface becomes dry.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Provide Proper Sunlight:
- Keep the container indoors, ensuring the seeds receive sufficient sunlight through a window until the sprouts appear.
- Transplanting to the Garden:
- Divide the garden into rows and plant a few seedlings in each row, maintaining a distance of 10–14 centimeters between each seedling.
- Sow additional seeds around the seedlings every two to three weeks.
- Fertilize the Soil:
- Add fertilizer or leaf compost to the soil to promote healthy growth.
Caring for Watercress in Hot Weather
If the growing area is expected to experience extreme heat, shade the seedlings and ensure they are well-watered. Although watercress can be kept in pots, they are more prone to drying out in such conditions.
Suitable Soil for Watercress
- Drainage: Watercress thrives in soil with good drainage but requires consistent moisture.
- Soil Acidity: The soil’s pH should range between 6 and 6.5.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the soil before planting and prepare it in the fall to be ready for planting in the spring.
