Goliad Farms, LP - Nasturtium officinale

Goliad Farms, LP

8497 FM 622
Goliad, Texas 77963

Voice 361.645.2252
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com

Contents

Plants

Nasturtium officinale, Watercress

Nasturtium officinale, watercress, is an edible herb often used as a tangy salad plant. This plant grows rapidly and is heavy feeder on nutrient rich water.

Description: Watercress grows emersed at the water's edge. The plant's roots grow into the wet soil along the bank or the pond's bottom or as free growing thick clumps in the water column. It has dark green leaves (the edible part) growing on thick stems. The plant reproduces asexually by means of cuttings (most stems grow roots at each node) and sexually by means of seeds. The photo shows the emersed growth.

Environment: This plant tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 7.5. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F). This plant is a temperate zone plant and can tolerate freezes although its foliage will die back.

Geographic Range: Europe to Central Asia. Introduced worldwide, especially in temperate zones.

Uses: Watercress grows rapidly, spreading out over the water's surface and forming large mats. As well as being suitable as a salad green for human consumption, it is also useful as a food for many herbivorous tropical fish such as pacus, silver dollars, goldfish, etc. Its roots are useful as a spawning medium for plant spawners such as some of the killifish and many rainbowfish.

Care: Watercress requires bright light and rich water. Given these it grows lushly and rapidly. Otherwise, no special care is required.

Additional Information: None at present.

Additional Photos: None at present.