Cress Seeds – Watercress

Description

Nasturtium officinale

One of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans, for good reason! A member of the mustard family (and not closely related to Nasturtiums, the edible flower, despite the latin name), these greens are highly rich in vitamins, and used in salads to impart a delicious, peppery mustard-like flavor. Watercress is semi-aquatic and is ideal for hydroponic systems, but you don’t need a fancy set up to grow it at home. It will grow perfectly well in very consistently moist soil in a pot. The key is to keep your watercress’s roots moist at all times, without allowing them to sit in stagnant water. These greens are perennial and cold-hardy and can be harvested year-round once established, though they are best in the cool seasons, as the flavor becomes bitter in hot weather.

One important note: Watercress grows in the edges of fresh, running streams in the wild, and if you are lucky enough to have such a spot on your property, you could plant your watercress there – but be careful! Wild-harvested watercress is known to sometimes harbor parasites that are carried by livestock, even after washing. Only clean headwaters with no chance of agricultural runoff should be used for cultivation. We recommend using a growing container and not taking your chances! This crop is perennial.

0.25 gram packet contains a minimum of 500 seeds.