Short answer: sprinkle 5 to 10 g of dry watercress seed on a 10 × 20 inch tray with a thin layer of fine soil or a damp grow mat. Mist well, cover, and keep damp for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give light, and keep misting or bottom watering. Cut at 10 to 14 days.
What are watercress microgreens?
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a peppery aquatic green in the cabbage family. As microgreens, it grows tiny, delicate leaves with a strong bite. The seed is very small and gel-forming, so it grows best on a damp surface rather than in a jar. Sprouting.com gives 4 to 6 days as sprouts and 10 to 14 as microgreens.1
How to grow watercress microgreens
- Day0
Sow dry
Sprinkle the seed thinly over fine, moist soil or a damp grow mat. Mist until it looks gel-coated.
- Day0–4
Cover and mist
Cover loosely and mist twice a day. Don't let the gel dry.
- Day4
Light
Uncover and give bright, indirect light.
- Day4–12
Keep moist
Bottom water or mist gently. The seedlings are delicate.
- Day10–14
Harvest
Cut carefully above the soil with sharp scissors.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Patchy growth | Gel dried out | Mist more often, keep covered longer |
| Seedlings collapse | Too wet, still air | Water from below, add gentle airflow |
| Slow growth | Cool room or low light | Warmer spot, brighter light |
Tips for growing watercress microgreens
- Don't soak. Sow the tiny seed dry on a damp surface.
- Keep it humid. Watercress grows naturally beside water, so keep the gel and surface moist.
- Use fine soil or a grow mat. The tiny roots need a smooth, damp surface.
- Give indirect light. Bright but not hot light suits the delicate leaves.
Watercress vs garden cress
| Watercress | Garden cress | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10–14 days as microgreens | 8–12 days |
| Seed | Very tiny | Small |
| Flavour | Peppery, clean | Hot, peppery |
| Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
If you're new to cress, start with garden cress, then try watercress.
How to use watercress microgreens
- Sandwiches: a classic with egg, cucumber or smoked salmon.
- Soups: on potato or watercress soup.
- Salads: with orange, beet and goat cheese.
- Steak: a peppery garnish.
Storing and eating
Watercress microgreens are delicate. Use them within 2 to 4 days. Add them to sandwiches, egg dishes, soups and salads. For a faster peppery crop, try curly cress.
Safety
For young sprouts, the FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat them raw, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.23
Watercress FAQ
Is watercress the same as cress?
No. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) are different plants. Both are peppery, but garden cress grows much faster.
Should I soak watercress seed?
No. The tiny seed forms a gel when wet. Sow it dry on a damp surface and mist it.
How long do watercress microgreens take?
About 10 to 14 days. Young sprouts can be eaten at 4 to 6 days.
Can watercress be grown as sprouts?
Yes. Young watercress sprouts are ready in 4 to 6 days on a damp plate or tray.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
