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Vegetables

Watercress

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress is a perennial aquatic plant known for its peppery flavor and high nutritional value. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Watercress is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and soups, and is valued for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties.

Calculate System for Watercress
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Watercress can be grown in a variety of water conditions, but it thrives in clean, flowing water. It is important to monitor for pests and diseases, particularly aphids and downy mildew.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Regular soil testing can help determine nutrient needs and pH adjustments.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Watercress grows best in cool, moist conditions. In hotter climates, provide shade during peak temperatures to prevent bolting.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Watercress Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Watercress field.

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Related Guides

Watercress: A Guide to Growing and Irrigating Efficiently

Watercress is a versatile and nutritious crop that can be grown in a variety of conditions. Known for its peppery taste and high nutrient content, watercress is a popular choice for salads, soups and other culinary dishes. In this guide, we will explore how to grow watercress and how to irrigate it efficiently to…

Read Guide
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