Watercress

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a valuable aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial, celebrated for its refreshing, peppery leaves rich in vitamins and minerals. While traditionally grown in flowing water, it can be cultivated in consistently moist garden soil. It forms spreading mats, growing to an ultimate height of 20cm and spread of 60cm. Fully hardy (H5), it provides harvests throughout spring, summer, and autumn. It thrives in partial shade and consistently wet, fertile soil. Small white flowers appear in summer, attractive to pollinators. A fantastic addition to salads and sandwiches, offering a distinctive flavour.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Wet, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.