Water Cress - Herb Seeds
Specifications
| Family |
Brassicaceae |
| Native region |
Europe and Asia |
| Mature height |
15-30 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Partial shade to full sun; prefers cool, bright conditions |
| Watering |
Constant moisture; keep soil saturated or grow in shallow water |
| Soil / mix |
Rich, moisture-retentive soil with a near-neutral pH |
| Fertilizer |
Light feeding; over-feeding spoils the flavour |
| Difficulty |
Easy to moderate |
Uses
<p>Tender leaves and stems are eaten raw in salads and sandwiches or stirred into soups, chutneys and stir-fries for a peppery kick. A nutritious cool-season green valued for its high vitamin C and mineral content.</p>
Growing tips
<p>Surface sow the tiny seeds and press them in lightly without burying, as light aids germination. Keep the medium constantly wet; germination takes 7-14 days in cool temperatures. Thin or space plants 10-15 cm apart in trays sitting in water or in a permanently moist bed. Grow in partial shade in hot regions to keep it from bolting. Start picking sprigs about 4-6 weeks after sowing, harvesting regularly to encourage tender new growth.</p>