Watercress seeds grow in pods. With a little patience you can harvest these yourself from your own watercress. All you have to do is leave the flowered herb and wait for a while.
Where do you get watercress seeds and how do you sow them?
Watercress seeds can be obtained from dried pods of the plant at nurseries, speci alty stores or by collecting them yourself. If stored properly, they can last for several years. Ideally, sowing is done in waterproof pots, at a germination temperature of 20 °C and sufficient moisture.
Bean-like pods will soon form from the flowers. Only when they are dry can you remove the ripe seeds. In principle, you can sow the seeds immediately, that's how nature does it. However, these seeds are often eaten by birds who love these delicacies.
Where do you get watercress seeds?
On the one hand, you can buy watercress seeds in garden centers or specialist seed shops. On the other hand, you can also collect the seeds yourself. To do this, wait until pods form after flowering. They look a little like beans. Only when these pods become dry are the seeds ripe and can be harvested.
How long do watercress seeds last?
Bought seeds have a best-before date on the package. However, not all seeds are often sown at the same time and “old” seeds are still present the following year. You can still use these, but not all of the seeds may germinate. If the seed germinates, then the herb is also edible.
Collect the seeds of the bloomed watercress, then you have to wait until the pods dry out. Dry the seeds thoroughly and then store them in a dark and dry place. Then you can calmly wait until spring to sow.
How do you sow watercress?
It is best to sow watercress in a waterproof pot. Watercress sown outdoors is often eaten by birds before germination occurs. To prevent this, you can cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or provide bird protection.
Tips for sowing watercress:
- It is best to sow seeds in a pot
- Light germinator
- keep well moist
- Germination temperature 20 °C
Tips & Tricks
Watercress sown outdoors is a treat for birds. Either cover the seeds with a very thin layer of soil or provide bird protection.
