How to Grow Watercress

Water cress does not have to be grown in running water according to BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time last Sunday. 

watercress

Watercress roots grow in the water, but the plant grows above the water. To harvest cut the leaves above the water leaving about 10cm of stem, which will regrow. Watercress is a cut and come again herb! 

Two ways of growing water cress were described on the program: 

• on the water surface in a water butt
• in a washing up bowl with holes in the bottom which is placed in a water bath.  The water should be changed weekly as watercress does not like stagnant water

watercess-shoot