Aqua

Family: Brassicaceae Herb

Cool, peppery freshness bursts from every tender leaf of Aqua watercress, with a bright, juicy bite and a clean, green snap.

Grown for quick turnaround, it forms a lush mat of small, succulent foliage that stays crisp and vibrant at harvest. Ideal for stirring into fresh salads, brightening sauces, and quick pickling for a lively, aquatic tang.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Spreading

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	30
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Aqua watercress hits with a sharp pepper-citrus snap that doesn’t wilt into the background—this is for dishes you eat cold or finished at the last second. It’s especially good where you want that clean, slightly mineral zing to cut through fat and richness, like browned butter or creamy goat cheese.

Best Uses

shaved into cold salads where the leaves stay crisp
stirred into warm beurre blanc or pan sauce off-heat for a peppery lift
blended into quick herb sauces (salsa verde–style) with a bright, juicy texture
rapid pickling to keep the bite snappy and the tang lively

Flavor Profile

electric peppery bite juicy, green snap clean, cool finish slightly mineral/aquatic tang

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil brown butter garlic white fish goat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Nasturtium officinale (watercress/Aqua), and how can I control it?

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale, Brassicaceae) is prone to leaf spots and soft rots when the foliage stays wet and the bed is poorly drained. Harvest at a dry time, remove any rotting leaves, and improve air flow by thinning to recommended spacing; avoid overhead watering and keep water only at the root zone. If you see persistent spread, discard heavily affected plants to prevent the problem from moving through the patch.

How often should I water Nasturtium officinale during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

Keep the root zone consistently moist during the ~30-day growth period—aim for damp, never drying out, because watercress forms in a shallow, moisture-dependent habit. In warm weather, check daily and water enough to keep the top few centimeters from drying; in cool weather, you may only need watering every few days. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, but ensure the soil is not waterlogged if the bed lacks drainage.

How do I tell when Nasturtium officinale is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and the leaves are tender—typically around 30 days from sowing. Snip just above the crown or outer leaf clusters so it can regrow for additional cuttings. Stop harvesting if leaves become tough or bitter and the plants start forming stems quickly.