Watercress.

En un coup d'œil

Niveau d'entretien

Facile

Type de plante

Aquatic perennial

Lumière

Partial shade to full sun

Lumière en intérieur

Lumière vive indirecte

Arrosage

Tous les jours

Taille adulte

1 to 2 feet

Croissance

Rapide

Rusticité

USDA 4 à 9

Floraison

Late spring to early autumn

Entretien

Keep the soil or growing medium constantly saturated to mimic its natural stream habitat. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the water is not fresh enough or the plant is too dry. Ensure the water remains cool and clean to prevent rot.

Arrosage

The roots must remain submerged or in waterlogged soil at all times.

Engrais

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly if the plants appear stunted.

Taille

Regularly harvest the stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.

Rempotage

Refresh the growing medium or move to a larger container if the roots become too crowded.

Sol

Aquatic or very moist soil

pH du sol

6.5 to 7.5

Température

0 à 25°C

Humidité

60 à 90%

Résistance à la sécheresse

Faible

Durée de vie

Perennial, typically 2 to 3 years.

Résistance aux chevreuils et lapins

Moyenne

Sécurité

Humains

It is generally safe to eat, but excessive consumption may cause stomach irritation.

Enfants

There are no specific safety concerns for children, though they should be supervised near water sources.

Allergènes de contact

The sap can occasionally cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Allergènes aéroportés

Pollen is not typically a significant airborne allergen.

Comestibilité

Watercress must be harvested from clean, flowing water to avoid contamination by liver flukes or harmful bacteria.

Comment l'identifier

• Small, rounded, dark green leaves
• Hollow, succulent, branching stems
• Tiny, four petaled white flowers
• Peppery, mustard like flavor profile

Hauteur

0,1 à 0,3m

Envergure

0,3 à 1m

Feuilles

green, semi-evergreen

Fleurs

white, 0,5 à 1cm

Fruits

green, Summer to autumn

Problèmes courants

• Whitefly — Small white insects that feed on the undersides of leaves.
• Leaf spot — Fungal infection causing dark spots on foliage.

La cultiver

Multiplication

seed, cuttings

Quand planter

spring, autumn

Hivernage

In cold climates, move containers indoors to a bright, cool spot or ensure the water does not freeze solid.

En pot

It grows well in containers if kept constantly wet in a deep saucer of water.

Group watercress with other moisture loving herbs to simplify your watering routine.

Bonnes associations

• Menthe — Both plants enjoy consistent moisture and similar growing conditions.

Espèces similaires

• Cardamine hirsuta — It shares a similar peppery flavor and appearance but prefers drier soil.

Science

Famille

Brassicaceae

Genre

Nasturtium

Ordre

Brassicales

Classe

Magnoliopsida

Région d'origine

Europe and parts of Asia.

Préservation

It is a common plant and not of conservation concern.

It grows in shallow, cool, flowing water where it filters nutrients through its roots.

Intérêt pour la faune

larval host plant, nectar source

Pollinisateurs

abeilles, papillons

Utilisations

culinary herb, garnish, salad green

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, keep the pot sitting in a tray of water to mimic its natural habitat.

How do I harvest it?

Snip the stems just above the water line, leaving the roots to regrow.

D'où vient le nom

The name Nasturtium comes from the Latin nasus tortus, meaning twisted nose, referring to the pungent reaction to its peppery leaves.

Bon à savoir

• Watercress is a member of the mustard family.
• It was once used as a remedy for scurvy due to high vitamin C content.
• The plant grows best in cold, clear, running water.