Watercress Vegetable Seeds Packet

$4.95

FREE SHIPPING on seeds when you order 5 packs or more

Watercress seeds for the kitchen garden that intends to actually produce watercress this year. Watercress is the vegetable that grows in water, which is either a solution to the irrigation problem or an entirely new one.

Watercress is a peppery aquatic green that grows in shallow water or constantly moist soil and delivers exceptional nutrition. Each packet is hermetically vacuum-sealed -- removing the oxygen that causes standard paper seed packets to lose germination viability within approximately one year. State law requires a 3-year viability label on sealed packaging. NASA research on hermetic seed storage indicates viability of up to 10 years under proper conditions. Every packet is non-GMO and germination-tested at independent third-party labs before it earns its Japanese woodblock print artwork.

How to Grow Watercress from Seed

Sowing and Germination

Sow in spring in constantly moist or shallow water. Can be grown in containers kept very wet.

Care and Harvest

Needs constant moisture or shallow water. Harvest young stems. Peppery, nutritious. Cut-and-come-again.

Why Vacuum-Sealed Seeds Last Longer

Standard paper seed packets are permeable to oxygen and moisture -- the two primary causes of seed degradation. Most paper-packaged seeds begin losing germination viability after approximately one year, contributing to significant garden-industry waste: packets purchased, not planted, expired, discarded. Shido Seeds are hermetically vacuum-sealed. The packet does not expire quietly in a drawer. It waits.

About the Packaging

Every Shido seed packet is illustrated in the style of Japanese 1910s woodblock printing -- designed and drawn in-house by Chive, the Toronto ceramics studio that has been exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show in London every year and does not, as a matter of principle, sell to big-box retailers. Customers collect the packets as a series. This was not the original plan.

Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Perennial
  • Genus: Nasturtium
  • Species: N. officinale
  • Plant Height/Width: 4–12 in tall x 12–24 in wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Season: Early Spring
  • Difficulty: Moderate
Satisfaction Guarantee

We stand by the quality of our flower seed packets! With high germination rates and vibrant blooms, your garden is sure to flourish. If you're not completely satisfied, we’ll replace or refund—guaranteed!

Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

How to Plant Watercress from Seed

When to Plant Seeds

  • Indoors: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Outdoors: Sow directly in the garden in early spring or fall.

Preparing the Planting Site

  1. Select a container, hydroponic system, or moist garden bed.
  2. Use rich, loamy soil if planting in the ground.
  3. Ensure access to clean, slow-moving water for aquatic growth.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

  1. Scatter seeds in a shallow water source, hydroponic system, or moist soil.
  2. Press seeds gently into the surface.
  3. Keep consistently moist and provide shade if temperatures are warm.
  4. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they appear.

Sowing Seeds Indoors

  1. Fill seed trays with moist potting mix.
  2. Sprinkle seeds evenly on the surface and press lightly.
  3. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
  4. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Place in a warm location (65-70°F/18-21°C).
  6. Germination occurs in 5-7 days.
  7. Transplant seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall.

Pro Tip

Watercress thrives in constantly moist soil, so grow it near a water source or in a container with shallow water. For the best flavor, harvest young leaves regularly before the plant flowers.

Bonus: Snipping the stems often encourages fresh, tender growth!

Getting to know your Watercress

Watercress is a fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic leafy green with a peppery flavor. It thrives in clean, flowing water or consistently moist soil in partial shade. The plant is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Watercress spreads quickly and is often grown in shallow containers or near water sources. It requires frequent harvesting to prevent flowering, which can cause bitterness.

What it's used for

1. Culinary Uses:

  • Adds flavor and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, and soups.
  • Blends well into pestos, dips, and sauces.
  • A staple ingredient in watercress soup.

2. Medicinal Benefits:

  • Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and iron.
  • Supports immune function and digestion.
  • Known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Hydroponic and Aquatic Gardening:

  • Grows well in hydroponic systems.
  • Can be cultivated in shallow containers with water.
Growth Requirements

Light:

  • Prefers partial sun to full sun.
  • Ideally, 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil & Water:

  • Requires moist, nutrient-rich soil.
  • Best grown in shallow water, hydroponics, or bog-like conditions.
  • Can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5-7.5).

Temperature & Climate:

  • Prefers cool temperatures (50-70°F/10-21°C).
  • Avoid extreme heat, as it can cause the plant to bolt.

Fertilization:

  • Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
  • Organic compost or fish emulsion enhances nutrient levels.
Maintenance

Mulching:

  • Apply light mulch around plants if grown in soil.
  • Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning:

  • Trim stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.
  • Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to regrow.

Watering:

  • Requires constant moisture—do not allow soil or water levels to dry out.
  • Change water frequently in hydroponic setups.

Harvesting:

  • Ready for harvest in 4-6 weeks after planting.
  • Cut stems 2-3 inches above the base for continuous regrowth.
  • Best harvested in cooler morning hours for optimal freshness.

Refrigeration:

  • Store fresh watercress in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel.
  • Keeps fresh for 4-5 days.

Freezing:

  • Blanch leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then freeze.
  • Can be stored for up to 6 months.

Drying:

  • Not commonly dried, as fresh leaves provide the best flavor.
Pests and Diseases

Common Pests:

  • Aphids & Flea Beetles: Rinse with water or use neem oil.
  • Whiteflies: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Common Diseases:

  • Root Rot: Ensure proper drainage and avoid stagnant water.
  • Damping Off: Use sterile soil and avoid overwatering young seedlings.

Growing Together with Shido

At Shido, everything we do starts with one goal: helping you have a truly successful growing experience. We know that planting seeds is just the beginning — your time, energy, and love for gardening are the real magic. That’s why we make sure the seeds you plant are fresh, full of life, and top-quality. When you choose Shido, you’re planting with confidence. We guarantee it.

Our mission is simple: bring you exceptional varieties of high-quality seeds at prices you’ll love, share detailed sowing and growing tips so you can thrive as a home gardener, and deliver the best customer service in the industry — with a smile.

Our Seed Safety Promise

We do not sell genetically modified seeds — ever. And we don’t use genetic engineering to breed new varieties. Instead, our skilled breeders use traditional, natural crossing methods to create hybrid seeds that are healthy, safe, and packed with potential.

Our Seed Quality Guarantee

At Shido, we believe great gardens start with great seeds — and that means quality comes first. Every seed lot we offer is ensure to generate top-notch germination because your garden deserves nothing less.

To keep our seeds at their peak, we run thorough pathology tests at trusted outside labs. When you open a Shido seed packet, you can trust it’s been nurtured, tested, and approved to give you strong, healthy plants from the very first sprout.

Types of Seeds We Offer

Hybrid Seeds (F1)

F1 hybrid seeds are the garden’s high achievers — created by crossing two specially chosen parent plants for superior vigor, uniformity, and performance. We use only traditional breeding methods to produce these powerhouse seeds.

Open-Pollinated & Heirloom Seeds

Our open-pollinated (OP) seeds naturally reproduce through wind, insects, water, or self-pollination. When grown in isolation, they produce true-to-type plants year after year.

Among our OP seeds are treasured heirloom varieties — old favorites that have been carefully passed down for generations. While OP plants can be less uniform than hybrids, we run our Open-Pollinated Project to select the most reliable, flavorful, and beautiful strains. Many are also available as certified organic seeds.

Non-GMO: What It Means and Why It Matters

A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is created when scientists alter a plant’s DNA in a lab — often by inserting genes from completely unrelated species — to achieve certain traits, like pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. This is a far cry from natural plant breeding.

At Shido, we believe gardening should stay as close to nature as possible. All our seeds — whether hybrid, heirloom, organic, or open-pollinated — are Non-GMO. They’re bred using traditional methods that respect natural biodiversity, giving you safe, wholesome seeds that grow into plants just as nature intended.

When you plant Shido Non-GMO seeds, you’re choosing purity, sustainability, and peace of mind — along with a garden full of flavor, color, and beauty.

Vacuum-Sealed for Freshness — Good for 10 Years

Every Shido seed packet is vacuum-sealed to lock in freshness and protect your seeds from moisture, air, and pests. This careful packaging not only preserves their quality but also extends their shelf life dramatically. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, our seeds remain viable for up to 10 years — so you can plant them now, next season, or even years down the road. Whether you’re planning a garden this spring or building a long-term seed stash, Shido seeds are ready when you are.


Feed Your Plants Like You Actually Know What You’re Doing

Your plants called—they're tired of your "just water and hope" approach. Give them VerteRx, the premium plant food packed with vitamins and growth boosters. Stronger roots, lusher leaves, and fewer judgmental stares from your fiddle-leaf fig. Because even plants deserve proper nutrition (unlike your diet).

Pretty Pots for Pretty Plants

Your plants work hard to look good—shouldn’t their pots do the same? Choose from our gorgeous flower pots and let your greenery thrive in style. Because plain plastic is just rude.