{"title":"Nasturtium officinale","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e — watercress\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e, the true watercress, is a fast-growing semi-aquatic perennial famed for its crisp, peppery leaves and remarkable nutritional richness. A leafy member of the cabbage family, it is the botanical name behind our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/watercress\"\u003ewatercress\u003c\/a\u003e range, sitting in both our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eculinary herb\u003c\/a\u003e collection and our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fresh-leafy-greens\"\u003efresh leafy greens\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatercress is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows wild in clear, flowing streams and spring-fed waters. It is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables: the Greeks and Romans prized it as a tonic and a sharpener of the wits, and by the nineteenth century it was being farmed commercially in spring-fed beds to feed the growing cities of Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite its common name, true watercress belongs to the genus \u003cem\u003eNasturtium\u003c\/em\u003e in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) — not to be confused with the unrelated garden nasturtium (\u003cem\u003eTropaeolum\u003c\/em\u003e) — and the epithet \u003cem\u003eofficinale\u003c\/em\u003e marks its long history as a useful, medicinal plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBotanical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatercress is a low, sprawling perennial that roots readily along its trailing stems, with rounded, deep green leaflets and small white four-petalled flowers typical of the cabbage family. Its hallmark is a fresh, peppery bite and a famously high content of vitamins and minerals. Naturally a waterside plant, it sits among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fresh-leafy-greens\"\u003eleafy greens\u003c\/a\u003e and grows neatly in pots with our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/container-friendly-herbs\"\u003econtainer-friendly herbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Nasturtium officinale from seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe secret to watercress is constant moisture. Sow the fine seed on the surface of wet compost and never let it dry out — standing pots in a tray of water works perfectly. It prefers cool conditions and partial shade, which keep the leaves mild and stop it bolting. Harvest by snipping the tops, and plants regrow for repeated cut-and-come-again pickings. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\"\u003eherb growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/herb-sowing-calendar\"\u003eherb sowing calendar\u003c\/a\u003e cover timing and care in full.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady to grow watercress? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/watercress\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#66971d;color:#ffffff;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBrowse watercress\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#3f6312;border:1.5px solid #9cc35f;padding:10.5px 21px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eRead the herb guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated categories:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/watercress\"\u003eWatercress\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fresh-leafy-greens\"\u003eFresh Leafy Greens\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eCulinary Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/container-friendly-herbs\"\u003eContainer Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/herbs\"\u003eAll Herb Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eSeedsChoice\u003c\/a\u003e, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"watercress-garden-seeds-nasturtium-officinale","title":"Watercress Garden Seeds Nasturtium Officinale Perennial Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWatercress for moist, shady garden spots\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewatercress seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are ideal for gardeners who want a reliable leafy herb with a fresh, peppery taste. This classic herb, \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e, is known for its compact growth and suitability for cooler, damp areas of the garden. As a perennial herb, it can be a long-term addition to beds and borders where moisture is consistent and light levels are lower, making it a good option if you are looking for watercress seeds for shade or for a naturally humid site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant characteristics and culinary kitchen use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis herb typically forms low, leafy growth and reaches around 15 cm in height under suitable conditions. The tender leaves are commonly used as a leafy herb for salads and can also be added to soft cheeses and savory dishes for a lively, spicy accent. If you are searching for nasturtium officinale seeds or watercress herb seeds for everyday cooking, this variety fits well in a kitchen garden focused on fresh, aromatic greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere this perennial herb performs best outdoors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress is often chosen as one of the more shade tolerant herb plant options when compared with many sun-loving culinary herbs. It is especially well suited to consistently moist areas, making it a strong match for gardeners seeking watercress seeds moist soil or perennial watercress seeds for outdoor spaces that stay damp. For best results, place it where the soil remains evenly moist and the plant can maintain steady leafy growth throughout the season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51741749248337,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051368-9","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051368-9_1_44c0cce4-473d-480d-8bd7-4565713ec105.png?v=1778185565"},{"product_id":"watercress-seeds-organic-nasturtium-officinale","title":"Watercress Seeds Organic Nasturtium Officinale Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOrganic watercress seeds for moist gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewatercress seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are a classic choice for gardeners who want a leafy herb with a lively, peppery taste. This organic herb seed variety is known for producing tender green leaves that are popular as a leafy herb for salads and as a flavorful garnish for savory dishes. Watercress belongs to the garden cress family seeds group and is valued for its fresh, clean look in the herb bed as well as its culinary versatility. Botanical name: \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant habit, flavor, and garden placement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis herb typically forms a low, compact plant with an approximate height of around 15 cm, making it suitable for edging, containers, or small garden spaces. If you are looking for herb seeds for moist soil, this is a fitting option, as it performs best where the ground stays consistently damp. Many gardeners also choose it as shade tolerant herb seeds, placing it in a cooler, sheltered spot outdoors. For shoppers searching for watercress seeds for shade or watercress seeds for moist soil, this variety matches those site preferences while delivering a distinctive, peppery leaf for everyday kitchen use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIdeal for open ground herb gardening\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese nasturtium officinale seeds are well suited to open ground sowing seeds in outdoor herb gardens, especially where moisture is naturally higher. As cool season herb seeds, they are often selected for periods when the garden is not at its hottest, helping maintain leaf quality and a neat, leafy appearance. Use the harvested leaves fresh to add a sharp, aromatic accent to salads, sandwiches, and plated dishes, or to finish hearty meals with a bright green touch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51742157963601,"sku":"SHA-AUR-011061-3","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-AUR-011061-3_1_7e5d7e53-0be8-4ea3-8876-3a58043e0fb1.png?v=1778186934"},{"product_id":"watercress-seeds-nasturtium-officinale","title":"Watercress Seeds Nasturtium Officinale Perennial Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWatercress herb seeds for moist gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewatercress seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a classic leafy herb valued for its fresh, peppery taste in the kitchen and its attractive, lush green growth in the garden. This perennial herb is well suited to outdoor beds and containers where the soil stays consistently moist, making it a practical choice for damp corners and waterside-style plantings. Also known as \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e, it is often chosen by gardeners looking for watercress seeds for shade or for sites that receive only part-day sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFlavor, habit, and garden placement details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese watercress herb seeds develop into a compact herb plant, typically reaching around 15 cm in height, with tender stems and small green leaves that can be used fresh as a flavorful garnish. The plant is commonly grown as a shade tolerant herb plant when moisture is reliable, and it can be a good fit for mixed herb borders or a dedicated moist soil sowing seeds area. For cooks, the leaves add a lively, peppery accent to salads, soft cheeses, and savory dishes without overpowering other ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal use and cultivation expectations outdoors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners often associate outdoor sowing April to July with this herb, and harvest leaves May to August is a typical seasonal window in suitable conditions. As a perennial herb, it can return in following seasons where winters are mild and the planting site remains evenly damp. If you are selecting nasturtium officinale seeds for a moisture-loving herb, choose a location with steady water availability and avoid spots that dry out quickly in warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51743683314001,"sku":"SHA-BLO-021300-3","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-BLO-021300-3_1_6139054b-8c3e-4bca-8415-2975b0a0988d.png?v=1778192951"}],"url":"https:\/\/seedschoice.de\/collections\/nasturtium-officinale.oembed","provider":"SeedsChoice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}