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Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has long been a staple in Indian kitchens, prized for its peppery flavour and versatility. From vivid salads and chutneys to filling curries, this nutritious green finds use in many Indian recipes. Any diet would benefit from this great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C. In today’s fast-paced urban environment, with limited space and busy lifestyles, growing watercress at home has become a convenient way to ensure a steady supply of this healthful plant.
Video Credit: YouTube | Yosi Golcman
For those living in suburban and urban environments where space is limited, container gardening is a great way to maximise. Particularly suited for container gardening, watercress thrives in limited areas and requires little upkeep. Urban gardening is becoming more and more popular as people choose this approach to grow fresh food right in their own houses. This guide will include thorough directions on how to effectively grow watercress in pots, for a continuous supply all during the growing season.
How To Grow Watercress In A Pot
Choosing The Right Container
Selecting the right container is crucial for growing watercress. A wide, shallow plastic plant pot, preferably around 25 litres, is recommended. This size allows enough space for the roots to spread and ensures the plant can access the water it needs. Avoid tall, narrow pots as they don’t retain moisture as well.
Preparing The Pot
Fill the pot with compost, pressing down firmly until it reaches just below the lip. This helps to retain moisture and offers the seeds a steady platform. The watercress needs constant access to water. Therefore, the pot should be set on a plant saucer to enable this.
Sowing Watercress Seeds
Watercress seeds are tiny, so careful sowing is essential. Sprinkle the seeds liberally over the compost surface. It’s better to sow too many seeds than too few. Once sown, cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of compost or, preferably, vermiculite. Vermiculite is preferred as it is lightweight and helps the seeds to germinate without creating a hard crust on the soil surface.
Watering
Watering is the most crucial part of growing watercress. As a semi-aquatic plant, watercress needs constant access to water. Begin by filling the plant saucer with water, allowing the compost to absorb it from the bottom up. This method prevents disturbance of the seeds. Keep the saucer filled with water at all times, topping it up as needed. Rainwater is ideal, but tap water can be used if necessary.
Providing The Right Growing Conditions
Watercress thrives in cool, semi-shady conditions. If starting the seeds early or late in the season, consider placing the pot in a cold greenhouse or cold frame. Once the risk of frost has passed, the pot can be moved outdoors. Ensure that the plant saucer never dries out and the water remains fresh.
Harvesting Watercress
Watercress can be harvested about four to seven weeks after sowing. Begin harvesting when the stems are around 4 to 5 inches long, leaving a couple of leaves on the plant to encourage regrowth. Regular harvesting will promote continuous production, providing fresh watercress throughout the growing season.
Growing watercress in containers is an easy way to have this nutritious plant at home. With minimal space and effort, a single pot can yield a generous supply of fresh watercress, equivalent to multiple supermarket bags. For anyone looking to add a versatile and healthful ingredient to their kitchen, container gardening is an ideal option.
