True Watercress Seeds - Nasturtium officinale Culinary Greens

Bring a crisp, peppery bite to your kitchen garden with true watercress (Nasturtium officinale). This moisture-loving leafy vegetable produces small green leaves and tender stems for sandwiches, salads, soups, and stir-fries. Grow it in a managed container near the kitchen and snip a small handful when you want a fresh, mustard-like accent.

Choose your seed size

This listing is for seeds to plant, not live plants or harvested greens. Available options are:

• 1,000 seeds
• 3,000-seed packet
• 10,000 seeds
• 1/4 oz seeds
• 1 oz seeds

Weight-based options are sold by weight; their seed counts vary.

Plant details

• Common name: True watercress
• Botanical name: Nasturtium officinale
• Growth: Moisture-loving perennial where conditions allow; also grown as a seasonal crop
• Flavor: Peppery, with crisp leaves and tender young stems
• Light: Partial shade, especially in warm weather
• Growing medium: Fertile soil or container mix kept consistently moist
• Approximate harvest: Often around 50–60 days under favorable conditions; timing varies
• Uses: Salads, sandwiches, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes

Starting from seed

Start during mild weather, in spring or early fall as your climate allows. Use a clean tray or pot filled with fine, moist seed-starting mix. Sow the tiny seeds on the surface, press gently into contact with the mix, and cover only very lightly.

Keep evenly moist without washing the seeds away. Provide bright, indirect light and avoid excessive heat. Germination may take approximately 7–14 days in suitable conditions, but can vary with temperature and moisture.

Transplanting and growing

Move established seedlings gently into a container with drainage holes or a prepared, consistently moist bed. Allow approximately 9–12 inches between plants for mature growth. Choose partial shade where strong sun would dry or overheat the planting.

A shallow tray of water beneath a container can help maintain moisture. Use clean water suitable for food-crop irrigation, refresh it frequently, and keep trays clean rather than allowing stagnant water to accumulate. Watercress does not need to be planted in a natural stream to grow.

Ongoing care

• Check moisture frequently; do not let the roots dry out.
• Provide airflow and inspect regularly for pests or damaged foliage.
• Feed only as needed, following directions for a fertilizer suitable for edible leafy vegetables.
• Trim flowering stems if your priority is tender leaf production.
• Protect from temperature extremes as needed; perennial survival and year-round growth depend on local conditions.

Harvest and kitchen use

Once plants are established and have ample growth, snip tender shoot tips with clean scissors, leaving the growing base and enough foliage for recovery. Take small harvests rather than stripping the plant. Young growth generally has the best texture, and flavor can become stronger as plants mature or flower.

Wash harvested greens thoroughly with clean running water. Add leaves to sandwiches and salads, or stir into soups and cooked dishes near the end of preparation.

Clean growing conditions matter

Grow edible watercress in a controlled setting with a clean water supply. Avoid water exposed to livestock, wildlife waste, sewage, or contaminated runoff. Washing does not make greens grown in contaminated water safe to eat.

Keep plants contained and do not introduce them into natural waterways, where they can spread. These seeds are for planting, not direct consumption.

Seed storage

Store unused seeds sealed in a cool, dry, dark place, away from moisture and temperature extremes.