How to Grow Watercress in a Planter

Watercress, or Nasturtium officinale, is a perennial herb native to Europe. Watercress features small, white flowers, edible stems and round, green leaves, which often are used to garnish salads. The strong, peppery taste of the leaves makes them a nice addition to soups as well. Although this perennial herb naturally occurs along running waterways, you may also grow watercress in a planter.

Large, plastic planter
Sharp knife
Drip tray
Planting media
Water
Watercress seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Select a large, plastic planter. Use the tip of a sharp knife to make drainage holes about 4 inches apart. Set the planter in a drip tray to catch the runoff water and keep the potting mix moist.
- 2
  Find a good location for your planter. Purdue University mentions that watercress thrives in locations exposed to full sun.
- 3
  Fill a planter to about 3 inches below the rim with a soil-less potting mix that contains a combination of peat and vermiculite or perlite, the Utah State University Cooperative Extension advises. Pack down the mixture and saturate it with water.
- 4
  Plant watercress seeds about o1/4 inch deep. Water the seeds every day. Watercress requires consistently wet soil for the best growth.
- 5
  Thin sprouted watercress plants, leaving plants with full sets of leaves about 4 inches apart. Water the plants daily.
- 6
  Pinch or cut off leaves that are at least the size of a dime. The Utah State University Cooperative Extension notes that the leaves and stems have more flavor if you harvest them before the flowers bloom.

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