Watercress is a delicious and nutritious vegetable you can enjoy all year round. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. Watercress is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. One can use it in salads, sandwiches, or soups. It can also be used to flavor smoothies or juices. What if you want to grow this plant and don’t have enough space outdoors? Can you grow it indoors? Yes! You can. This article provides a step-by-step guide to how to grow watercress indoors so that you can have a year-round supply of this healthy and flavorful vegetable.
How Long Does Watercress Take To Grow?
Watercress is a fast-growing plant. It can take as little as two weeks for seeds to germinate and produce seedlings. Once the seedlings have four to six leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers. With proper care, watercress will continue to grow and produce new leaves throughout the year.
Also read: How To Grow Cilantro Indoors
How to Grow Watercress Indoors
Now let’s get to the actual task: how to grow watercress indoors. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Purchase High-quality Watercress Seeds
The first step is to purchase high-quality watercress seeds or seedlings from a reputable supplier. This will ensure that your plants are healthy and vigorous.
Start the Seeds in Water
Once you have your seeds or seedlings, it’s time to start them in fresh water. Fill a shallow bowl or tray with room-temperature water. Place the seeds or seedlings in the water and let them soak for several hours. This will help to hydrate the plants and encourage germination.
Prepare Your Potting Mix
Once the seeds or seedlings have had a chance to soak, it’s time to prepare your potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite. It is imperative to make sure that your potting mix is well-draining. Organic Watercress likes to grow in moist conditions but will not tolerate damp soil. To prepare an excellent potting mix, check our article, How To Choose The Best Potting Soil For Houseplants.
Fill Your Pots or Containers
Once your potting mix is prepared, it’s time to fill your pots or containers. Be sure to use pots or containers that have drainage holes in the bottom. Watercress does not like to sit in wet soil, so good drainage is essential. Ensure you have excellent and suitable pots for this plant. Follow these tips to choose the perfect pots/containers for your plant;
- Size: Choose a sizeable pot for the plant to grow. The pot should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep and wide.
- Material: Clay or ceramic pots are good watercress choices because they help moisten the soil. Plastic pots will also work well.
- Drainage: As we mentioned earlier, drainage is essential for garden cress. Be sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom.
Choose a Perfect Location
Once you have your pots or containers filled with potting mix, it’s time to choose the perfect location for your plants. Watercress likes to grow in bright, indirect light. It will also tolerate direct sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. Avoid placing your plants in a spot where they receive more than six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Sow the Seeds or Transplant the Seedlings
Once you have your pots filled with potting mix, it’s time to sow the seeds or transplant the seedlings. If you start with seeds, sow them thinly on the soil’s surface. Water the soil gently and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. The seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Once they have germinated, thin out the seedlings so that only the most potent plants remain. If you are transplanting seedlings, handle them carefully so as not to damage the roots. Plant them at the same depth they grew in their previous container—water well after planting.
Water Your Plants Regularly
Watercress is a plant that loves water. Be sure to water your plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. One way to ensure that your plants get enough water is to place a layer of pebbles or gravel in the bottom of the pot before adding the potting mix. This will help to increase drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in wet soil.
Fertilize Your Plants
Watercress is a fast-growing plant that will benefit from regular fertilization. Use a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for use on vegetables. Fertilize your plants every two weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package carefully so that you do not over-fertilize your plants.
Harvest Your Watercress
You can begin harvesting your watercress as soon as the plants are big enough to eat. Cut the leaves with a sharp knife, careful not to damage the plant. Watercress will continue to produce new leaves so that you can harvest them regularly throughout the growing season.
Key Takeaway
As mentioned earlier, watercress is relatively easy to grow and can even be grown indoors. Here are some tips on how to care for watercress plants:
- Watercress prefers excellent, moist conditions, so keep the soil constantly moist. Water thoroughly, but do not allow the plant to sit in water.
- Plant watercress in an area that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. If you are growing watercress indoors, place it near a south-facing window. If you don’t have enough light in your house, check out our article on: How To Grow Plants Indoors Without Sunlight.
- Fertilize watercress plants every two weeks with a half-strength fertilizer solution.
- Pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage branching and prevent leggy growth.
- Watercress is susceptible to aphids and other pests. Inspect the plants regularly and remove any pests you find.
Also Read: How To Grow Tulips Indoors
Final Say
In conclusion, growing watercress is relatively easy and can even be done indoors. Ensure the plant has plenty of water, indirect sunlight, and fertilizer. With proper care, your watercress plants will thrive and produce an abundance of fresh, crisp leaves that can be used in salads, sandwiches, and soups. Grow watercress at home with these simple steps. Try it today!
