Key points
Watercress is a nutrient - rich , leafy green plantthat has been enjoyed for centuries . It is aversatile plantthat can be used in salads , soup , and smoothies , and it is throng with vitamin , minerals , and antioxidants . If you ’re expect to produce your own watercress , here ’s a comprehensive scout on how to take tending of a cress green flora and love its wellness benefits .
Growing Conditions
cress green prefer to grow in nerveless , moist conditions . Theideal temperature rangefor cress green is between 50 - 70 ° F ( 10 - 21 ° degree Celsius ) . It also postulate plenty of sunlight , so choose a smear that gets at least 6 hour ofdirect sunlightper daylight .
Soil Preparation
Watercress prefer well - drained soilthat is rich in constituent thing . you’re able to amend your soil with compost or manure toimprove drainageand natality . ThepH levelof the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 .
Planting
Watercress can be grown from seminal fluid or cuttings . If you ’re starting from seeds , inseminate them thinly in a seedbed orpot filledwithmoist soil . Cover the seeds with athin layerof soil and keep them moist . The seed will germinate in 7 - 10 sidereal day . If you ’re starting from cut , take cuttings from ahealthy watercress plant . The cuttings should be about 4 - 6inches long . Remove the scurvy leaves from the cuttings and insert them into the filth . Keep thesoil moistand the cuttings will rootle in 2 - 3 week .
Watering
Watercress needs to bewatered regularly , especially duringhot weather . The soil should be observe moist but not marshy . Water the plants at the radical , avoiding the leaves .
Fertilizing
Watercress benefit fromregular dressing . inseminate the plants every 2 - 3 week with a balanced liquid plant food .
Harvesting
Watercress can be harvested when the leaves are about 4inches long . tailor the leaves from the plant , leaving theroots intact . Watercress will continue to grow new leaves , so you may harvest itmultiple timesthroughout the raise season .
Health Benefits of Watercress
Watercress is anutritional powerhouse . It is a good origin of vitamin A , C , and K , as well as minerals such as Ca , atomic number 26 , and atomic number 19 . Watercress also contains antioxidant that can help protect againstchronic diseasessuch as cancer and pump disease .
Common Problems
Watercress is a relativelyeasy plantto grow , but it can be susceptible to a few common problem .
Wrap-Up: Reap the Rewards of Growing Watercress
Growing watercress is arewarding experience . Withproper tutelage , you could savour a steady provision of this nutritious and flavorful industrial plant . So getstarted todayand bring cress green to your garden and your diet .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Igrow watercressin water?A : Yes , watercress can be grow in water . put the plant in acontainer filledwith water and verify the ascendant are submerged . alter the water every few daytime to keep it fresh . Q : How long does it take watercress to grow?A : Watercress can be harvest in as small as 30 days from planting . Q : Can I corrode watercress raw?A : Yes , watercress can beeaten raw . It is often used in salads , sandwiches , and smoothies . Q : What are thehealth benefitsof watercress?A : Watercress is agood sourceof vitamins A , C , and K , as well as minerals such as atomic number 20 , iron , and atomic number 19 . It also bear antioxidants that can aid protect againstchronic diseasessuch as cancer and heart disease . Q : How do I hive away watercress?A : Watercress can be put in in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . wrap up the watercress in adamp paper toweland place it in a plastic cup of tea .
