Q&A for How to Grow Watercress

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  • Question
    How long does Watercress take to produce seed?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Watercress will flower in the summer when it's hot. They will make seeds if you let them mature at the end of summer or early fall.
  • Question
    Will rabbits and deer eat my crop?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Yes, rabbits and deer might enjoy eating your watercress. If you're worried about the animals eating your plants, fence in your planting area.
  • Question
    I bought a 5-inch pot from a supermarket. How can I transfer it to a bigger pot because there is no space between stems?
    Community Answer
    You do not need to transfer unless it is almost fully grown. Also be aware that supermarket plants are often meant to be eaten, not continuously grown and are hyped up on fertilizers, so you'll need to ensure that the new potting soil has plenty of fertilizer. Tip upside down gently, letting the plant drop head first into the palm of your hand, then gently tip into the new, larger container.
  • Question
    After harvesting, will it continue to grow?
    Community Answer
    Yes, your watercress will regrow in no time. Just make sure you avoid taking more than a third of any plant when cutting in order to allow the plants enough foliage to continue growing. Also, periodic harvesting helps encourage new growth.
  • Question
    Should I water it every day?
    Community Answer
    If you use a container and cotton wool, you shouldn't need to as the cress will get the water from the water the wool already soaked up.
  • Question
    Can I put my watercress plant in my fishpond?
    Poul Børge Pedersen
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you risk getting then eaten by the fish, tadpoles, crayfish, and by a lot of insects.
  • Question
    What are the white stringy roots growing out of my watercress?
    Community Answer
    Those are new roots to allow that stem to grow as a new plant if they ever touch the soil.
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