Watercress is a perennial, water-loving plant and closely related to cabbage and arugula, although it makes a good pot grower. However, it is important that the pot is then in the right place.

The ideal pot for watercress

As a water-loving plant, watercress needs a lot of moisture. This lasts longer in a plastic pot than in a terracotta pot. Ideally, the watercress pot should be one size larger than usual and the inner pot should have a good drainage layer of broken pottery or coarse gravel. In this way, the watercress can always draw water well.

The right potting soil

The soil at the edge of a flowing body of water is ideal for watercress. If the watercress is in the garden bed, the soil should be slightly loamy so that it retains moisture well and does not dry out so easily. A mixture of garden soil, coarse sand and some compost is recommended for growing in pots.

Sow watercress

You can easily sow watercress yourself. Use seeds you bought or collected yourself. Scatter this on potting soil and press it down a little without covering it with soil, because the watercress germinates in the light. At temperatures around 20 °C and sufficient light, it will germinate after about 7 to 20 days.

The ideal location

Watercress does not tolerate blazing sun. Give her a semi-shady to shady place, she feels more comfortable there. If you want to use watercress regularly for cooking, then the ideal location is of course the kitchen. If the sun is not shining directly on the window, place the watercress on the window sill.

Proper watering

The most important thing when caring for your watercress is proper watering. This includes not only watering but regular water exchange. Watercress needs oxygen-rich water. Stale water is virtually devoid of oxygen, so change your watercress water completely every other day.

The most important cultivation tips:

  • keep well moist
  • rather shady
  • change the water every two days

tips and tricks

As soon as your watercress is at least ten centimeters tall, you can start harvesting the delicately spicy, slightly hot herb.

UE

Category:

Vegetable garden