Medicinal watercress

Medicinal watercress

Latin name: Valeriana officinalis

Watercress is a perennial medicinal plant known for its calming properties. It has tall, graceful stems with small, pale pink to white flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Its roots are traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve stress, sleep problems and anxiety. The plant thrives in moist soils and provides a beautiful, natural feature in the garden.

Cultivation information:

• Packaging: 0.2 g seeds
• Sowing time: February–May (pre-cultivation) or May–July (direct sowing)
• Flowering time: June–August (second year)
• Sowing depth: 0.2 cm (lightly germinating, cover sparingly)
• Plant distance: 30 cm
• Row spacing: 40 cm
• Height: 100–150 cm
• Location: Sun to partial shade
• Soil type: Nutritious, moist but well-drained soil
• Watering: Regular, prefers moist soil

Cultivation tips:

• Can be sown in the fall for natural stratification and better germination.
• The roots are harvested in the fall from two-year-old plants for medicinal use.
• Thrives near ponds, streams or moist areas in the garden.

Uses: Traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve stress and insomnia. The flowers can also be used in bouquets.

Watercress is both a beautiful and useful plant that contributes to a natural and healing garden!