Overview
Nasturtium officinale is a floating, submerged, trailing aquatic in the genus Nasturtium, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Nasturtium officinale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include edible flowers, companion planting and ground cover. It is native to Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Watercress or yellowcress (Nasturtium officinale) is a species of aquatic flowering plant in the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Watercress is a rapidly growing perennial plant native to Eurasia. It is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans. Watercress and many of its relatives, such as garden cress, mustard, radish, and wasabi, are noteworthy for their piquant flavors. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Watercress
About the genus
Nasturtium is a genus of a small number of plant species in the family Brassicaceae commonly known as watercress or yellowcress. The best known species are the edible Nasturtium officinale and Nasturtium microphyllum. Nasturtium was previously synonymised with Rorippa, but molecular evidence supports its maintenance as a distinct genus more closely related to Cardamine than to Rorippa sensu stricto.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nasturtium (plant genus)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nasturtium (plant genus)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nasturtium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Nasturtium officinale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Floating, Submerged, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Edible flowers, Companion planting, Ground cover
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nasturtium officinale
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nasturtium officinale?
Nasturtium officinale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nasturtium officinale need?
Nasturtium officinale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Nasturtium officinale grow?
Nasturtium officinale reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Nasturtium officinale hardy in the UK?
Nasturtium officinale has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Nasturtium officinale?
Seed.
Last updated