Organic Watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ) – offered by Gaia, an aquatic herb with exceptional nutritional qualities
Watercress is a perennial biennial plant , prized for its tender, peppery leaves and high nutritional value . Rich in vitamins C, A, and K , it has been used for centuries for its revitalizing properties . Unlike other types of watercress, it requires fertile soil and frequent watering , mimicking its natural habitat of shallow streams .
Its cultivation requires more attention , but it can be grown in pots, in protected cultivation or in moist soil to offer a generous harvest. Its young, crunchy and spicy shoots are perfect for salads, soups or sandwiches , adding a fresh and slightly spicy touch to dishes.
Did you know?
Watercress is one of the oldest edible plants cultivated by man . Used since ancient times, it was considered a natural tonic , particularly by the Romans who consumed it to strengthen their vitality and purify the blood.
Spread : Creeping habit, spreading growth
Plant height : 10 to 30 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 500 seeds
Companion plants : Mint, chives, dill
Enemy plants : Cabbage and beans
Cultivation method
Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 12 hours to promote germination.
Watercress can be sown directly in the ground 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost or grown all year indoors in a container with a moist substrate. It prefers fertile soil, rich in organic matter and always well irrigated .
For optimal growth, maintain a temperature between 12 and 15°C , and avoid full sun , which can slow its growth. Constant watering is essential to keep the soil moist and mimic its natural aquatic environment.
Harvesting and conservation
Harvest begins 15 to 20 days after sowing , when plants reach 7 to 10 cm in height . Cut to 1 cm from the ground to stimulate regrowth and prolong the harvest.
Watercress is most tender when young , so it is recommended to harvest it before it fully matures. It will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator , but it is best to eat it soon after picking to preserve its freshness and peppery flavor .
With its deliciously spicy leaves , rapid growth and high nutritional potential , watercress is a must-have herb for lovers of fresh, healthy greens!
