Aqua
Watercress
🌱 30d to harvest
Spreading
Cool, peppery freshness bursts from every tender leaf of Aqua watercress, with a bright, juicy bite and a clean, green snap. Grow…
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | Jun 1st |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Jun 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 1st |
| Harvest Ends | Aug 1st |
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 |
Recommended Companions
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.
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.
Sowing Tips
Transplant Conditions
Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors.
Expert Note
Keep watercress continuously moist (or grown hydroponically) and harvest frequently to encourage fresh, tender regrowth.